Description

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish featuring a blend of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. This viral recipe combines a rich cheese sauce made with evaporated milk and heavy cream, seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard, then baked to bubbly golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

16 oz cavatappi pasta

Cheeses

16 oz colby jack cheese, shredded
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Sauce

3 tablespoons salted butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
2 cups heavy cream

Seasonings

Smoked paprika (to taste)
Garlic powder (to taste)
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Dijon mustard (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and help brown the crust.
Cook Pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente, meaning it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make Roux and Add Seasonings: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in half of the seasoning mix, which includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: Whisk in the flour and cook the mixture until it becomes slightly bubbly, forming a roux. Gradually add the evaporated milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
Add Remaining Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in the remaining seasonings and Dijon mustard to the sauce. Gradually add half of the mixed cheeses (colby jack, mozzarella, sharp cheddar), stirring until completely melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated.
Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese over the pasta layer. Add the remaining half of the macaroni mixture, then top with the last of the cheese.
Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole for approximately 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. For a golden, bubbly crust, broil the dish for an additional 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creamier texture.
Adjust seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
For extra creaminess, make sure to not overcook the pasta before baking.
Keep an eye on the dish during broiling to prevent burning.
You can substitute pasta shapes if cavatappi is not available, but curly or tubular pasta works best to hold sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta