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Ingredients
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Pasta
Three-Cheese Sauce
Optional Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt.
- 2
Add 1 lb cavatappi and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Three-Cheese Sauce
- 3
Make a roux
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. When bubbling but not browned, sprinkle in 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the raw flour smell is gone and mixture turns pale golden.
- 4
Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, adding a little at a time to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until smooth.
- 5
Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, whisking frequently. Let simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened to coat the back of a spoon.
- 6
Season the béchamel with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 7
Reduce heat to low. Add cheeses in two additions: first 2 cups grated sharp cheddar, whisk until melted and smooth; then 1 cup mild white cheddar (or Monterey Jack) and 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until fully incorporated and velvety. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- 8
Keep the sauce warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally. Do not boil after cheese is added or it may break.
- 9
Fold drained cavatappi into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce so it clings to the noodles.
Optional Topping & Finish
- 10
If you want a baked, crunchy top, preheat your oven broiler (or oven to 400°F / 200°C). In a small bowl combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon extra grated Parmesan. Toss to combine.
- 11
Transfer mac & cheese to an oven-safe baking dish, sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the top, and broil 2–4 minutes until golden and crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until topping is golden.
- 12
Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.