Mac & Cheese Recipe
Cavatappi pasta tossed with Gouda béchamel sauce
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Béchamel Sauce
Topping
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Making Béchamel Sauce
- 2
- 3
Add Milk
Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- 4
Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded Gouda cheese, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.25 teaspoon of paprika. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- 5
Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the béchamel sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce.
Baking
- 6
Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray.
- 7
Add Topping
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine 0.5 cup of breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup of shredded Gouda cheese for topping, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- 8
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- 9
Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious mac and cheese!