Cavatappi Cheesy Mac

Adding to my list of extra cheesy TikTok recipes, this one comes from Tini Younger (TikTok). Or if you want to watch a more comical weed based video, check out @mattbellassai’s “Baked Baking”.

We made this earlier this month with the Apple Cider Pulled Pork. Honestly, this probably has too much cheese so I might tone it down. I do recommend the Cavatappi pasta though, it’s a nice touch.

Summary

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb cavatappi pasta
• 16 oz grated mozzarella cheese
• 16 oz grated Colby jack cheese
• 8 oz grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 3 Tbsp flour
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish
3. Cook and drain cavatappi pasta: 1 lb according to package instructions.
4. Combine grated mozzarella cheese: 16 oz, grated Colby jack cheese: 16 oz, grated cheddar cheese: 8 oz in a bowl and separate half into another bowl.
5. Combine garlic powder: 1 tsp, smoked paprika: 1 tsp, salt: 1/2 tsp, and pepper: 1/2 tsp in a small bowl and separate half into another bowl.
6. Melt butter: 3 Tbsp in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Once melted, add half of the season mixture and flour: 3 Tbsp and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Add evaporated milk: 1 can and whisk until thick.
9. Add heavy cream: 2 cups and the rest of the seasoning mixture and mix until combined.
10. Whisk in Dijon mustard: 1 Tbsp until thick.
11. Slowly add in half the cheese, allowing it to melt before adding more.
12. Stir in the pasta until coated with cheese sauce.
13. Add a layer of the pasta and then a layer of shredded cheese to prepared baking dish. Repeat, finishing with cheese on top.
14. Bake in the oven until cheese is melted and stats to bubble, about 25-30 minutes.
15. To finish, broil until the top is golden brown, about 2 minutes.