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Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is an ultra-creamy, three-cheese baked pasta featuring cavatappi, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and warm seasonings. Perfectly golden on top and irresistibly gooey inside, it’s comfort food at its finest.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cavatappi pasta
  • 16 oz colby jack cheese
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
  2. Grate all cheeses and mix together in a bowl, reserving half for layering.
  3. Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
  4. In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add half of the smoked paprika and garlic powder.
  5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbling. (If no flour is desired, skip this step.)
  6. Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a low boil.
  7. Stir in half of the cheese mixture until melted, then fold in the cooked pasta.
  8. Layer half of the macaroni mixture into the casserole dish and sprinkle with half of the reserved cheese.
  9. Add the remaining macaroni, then finish with the last layer of cheese.
  10. Bake for 30 minutes, broiling the top for 3–4 minutes if a golden crust is desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add an additional splash of cream or evaporated milk. You can also mix in a pinch of cayenne or onion powder for deeper flavor.