Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked mac and cheese recipe featuring cavatappi pasta simmered in a flavorful milk and broth base, topped with a crunchy, golden panko parmesan crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Mac and Cheese
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta or similar shape (uncooked)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken OR veggie broth
- 6 cloves grated garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3 Tablespoons butter
Panko Parmesan Topping
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a baking dish, combine the uncooked cavatappi pasta, whole milk, chicken or vegetable broth, grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Mix gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Bake Pasta Mixture: Cover the baking dish with foil or a lid to prevent drying out. Bake the mixture for 45 to 50 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook fully and absorb the flavorful liquid, creating a creamy sauce base.
- Add Cheese and Butter: Remove the baking dish from the oven carefully. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese and butter to the hot pasta. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and incorporates into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly so the topping is evenly coated and ready to crisp.
- Top and Broil: Evenly spread the panko parmesan mixture over the cheesy pasta. Place the baking dish under the broiler for 5 to 10 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- You can substitute cavatappi with elbow macaroni or shells if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the seasoning such as salt and pepper according to taste.
- Broil time may vary depending on your oven’s broiler strength; monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
