Description

y Baked Mac & Cheese is a viral comfort food recipe featuring a luscious blend of cavatappi pasta and a creamy mix of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. With a subtle smoky paprika undertone and a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with evaporated milk and heavy cream, this baked dish offers a perfect balance of gooey texture and bold flavors. Finished under the broiler to achieve a golden, crunchy topping, it’s the ultimate comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and delightfully satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

16 oz cavatappi pasta

Cheese Mix

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

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce Components

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

Instructions

Prep Your Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente — firm yet tender — as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Grate and Mix Your Cheeses: Grate the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses and combine them in a bowl. Set aside half of the mixed cheese to be used for the topping later.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and sprinkle in half of the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles gently. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream to avoid lumps, then bring the sauce to a low boil. Stir in the remaining spices and Dijon mustard for added flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce with Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat, add half of the shredded cheese mix, and stir until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring every piece is coated in the luxurious cheese sauce.
Layer and Bake to Perfection: In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the cheesy pasta mixture and sprinkle half of the reserved cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and finish by spreading the leftover cheese evenly over the surface. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes. For a golden, crunchy crust, broil for an additional 3-4 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cooking pasta al dente ensures the noodles hold up well during baking without becoming mushy.
Using a blend of cheeses balances creaminess and flavor complexity.
Broiling at the end creates a crispy, golden topping perfect for texture contrast.
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
For best results, prepare the dish just before baking to keep the texture fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cavatappi mac and cheese, creamy cheese sauce, oven baked pasta, cheesy casserole