Cavatappi Mac Recipe
Cavatappi pasta tossed in creamy four-cheese blend and topped with seasoned panko
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Topping
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Cavatappi
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- 2
- 3
Add Milk
Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- 4
Incorporate Cheeses
Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese, cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and mozzarella to the sauce. Stir until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 5
Season the Sauce
Add salt and black pepper to the cheese sauce, adjusting to taste. Mix well.
Combining and Baking
- 6
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to fully coat the pasta.
- 7
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- 8
Assemble and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the seasoned panko mixture evenly on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.
- 9
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.