Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy delight of Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese, a viral recipe that’s taken comfort food to new heights! This decadent dish features layers of melted cheeses enveloping perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta, creating an irresistible texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this macaroni and cheese is not just a meal; it’s an experience! With its easy preparation and make-ahead option, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz box cavatappi pasta
- 16 oz colby jack cheese
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with butter.
- Grate the cheeses and set them aside.
- Cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in half of the seasoning mixture.
- Whisk in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbling.
- Gradually add evaporated milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a low boil and thicken.
- Mix in half of the grated cheeses until melted.
- Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Layer half of the macaroni mixture in the casserole dish, top with half of the remaining cheese, then add the rest of the macaroni mixture followed by the final layer of cheese on top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. Broil for an additional 3-4 minutes for a crispy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg