Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish loaded with a blend of three cheeses and seasoned to perfection. This indulgent comfort food is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 pound Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (yellow preferred, shredded)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Shred the mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheeses and set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil cavatappi pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare seasoning: Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter, add seasoning mix, then stir in flour. Add evaporated milk, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard, whisk until thickened.
- Combine ingredients: Add half of the cheese mixture to the sauce, then mix in the cooked pasta.
- Assemble: Layer pasta and cheese in a baking pan, finishing with a final layer of cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, then broil for a golden brown top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Mustard powder can be substituted for Dijon mustard.
- Mozzarella cheese can be reduced by up to 1/2 lb for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
