Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Two small cast iron pots filled with baked macaroni and cheese, placed on a wooden board, with two spoons beside them.

5 from 1 vote

Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist takes classic comfort food to the next level! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with a special twist of bold flavors, this dish is a must-try for mac and cheese lovers. Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s the perfect balance of nostalgia and creativity.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, mac and cheese

Servings: servings

Calories: 745kcal

Author: Chef Jenn

Ingredients

1 pounds cavatappi pasta cooked
16 ounces Mozzarella cheese grated
16 ounces Colby Jack cheese grated
8 ounces cheddar cheese grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 can evaporated milk
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
8 ounces smoked sausage diced

Instructions

Set your oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, cool under cold running water, and set aside.
Mix the grated mozzarella, Colby jack, and cheddar cheeses in a large bowl. Divide the mixture in half, setting aside one portion for topping.
Combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the seasoning mixture and the flour. Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes a smooth paste, about 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until the mixture thickens. Add the heavy cream, then whisk in the Dijon mustard until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
Turn off the heat then add half of the cheese blend to the sauce; stir until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Stir the cooked cavatappi pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the reserved cheese blend. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for an additional 2 minutes to create a golden, crispy top, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Chef Jenn's Tips

For more smoky flavor, consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon or smoked ham to the pasta mixture before baking.
If you prefer a spicier dish, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the spice mixture.
To ensure a smooth cheese sauce, make sure to grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

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