Description

y Baked Mac & Cheese is a viral comfort food recipe featuring cavatappi pasta layered with a luscious blend of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses in a creamy, smoky, garlicky sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a crunchy top, this dish delivers a rich, cheesy, and indulgent experience perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

16 oz cavatappi pasta

Cheeses

16 oz colby jack cheese, grated
8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce

3 tablespoons salted butter
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to make roux)

Instructions

Prep Your Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente, meaning the pasta is cooked but still firm because it will cook further in the oven.
Grate and Mix Your Cheeses: Grate the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Toss the cheeses together in a bowl and set aside half for topping the baked dish later.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add half of the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until gently bubbling. Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then add remaining spices and Dijon mustard to enhance flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce with Cheese: Stir half of the combined shredded cheeses into the sauce until melted and gooey. Fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring every piece is well coated in the cheesy sauce.
Layer and Bake to Perfection: In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the cheesy pasta mix, then sprinkle half of the reserved cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and finish by spreading the rest of the cheese evenly on top. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then broil for 3-4 minutes to create a golden, crunchy crust.

Notes

For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a spicy kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
This mac and cheese pairs well with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
You can prepare the dish ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, cavatappi mac and cheese, casserole, easy dinner recipe, creamy mac and cheese, smoky mac and cheese