Boil Water

Add the 8 cups of Cavatappi pasta to the boiling water, along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Cook Pasta

Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Drain Pasta

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.

Melt Butter

Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden.

Add Flour

Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Milk

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add Cheese and Seasonings

Add the drained Cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Preheat Oven

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.

Prepare Baking Dish

Sprinkle 1 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese and then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of paprika for color and flavor.

Top with Breadcrumbs and Paprika

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Bake

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Mac & Cheese!

Cool and Serve

Cavatappi pasta

Cheddar cheese

Milk

Butter

Flour

Salt

Black pepper

Bread crumbs

Mac & Cheese

Make Mac & Cheese Recipe in just 45m. Cavatappi corkscrew pasta, rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, gratiné.

Mac & Cheese Recipe

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