Ingredients
For the pasta:
1 lb Cellentani (Corkscrew) Pasta
1 Chicken Bouillon Cube
For the cheese blend:
1 lb Sharp Cheddar cheese
8 oz Mozzarella cheese
8 oz Colby Jack cheese
4 oz Smoked Gouda cheese
For the seasoning mix:
1 ½ tsp paprika
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp ground mustard
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
pinch of salt
½ tsp Coarse Black pepper
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp oregano
For the cheese sauce:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
5 tbsp all purpose flour
1 ½ cup Evaporated milk
1 cup Heavy cream
1 ½ cup Whole milk
Tools
8x8 Pan
Bowl
Directions
Step 1
Cook the Pasta:
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add chicken bouillon and stir to dissolve. Cook the corkscrew pasta according to package instructions (Al Dente). Drain and set aside.
Step 2
Grate the Cheese:
Step 1
While the pasta cooks, grate all your cheeses and mix them together in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 2
Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
Step 1
In a small bowl, combine paprika, Cajun seasoning, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and oregano. Set aside.
Step 2
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Step 1
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the seasoning mix and flour, whisking until a thick paste forms.
Step 2
Over low heat slowly pour in the evaporated milk, heavy cream, and whole milk, whisking continuously until smooth.
Step 3
Gradually add half of the grated cheese blend, stirring until melted and smooth. Reduce heat to low.
Step 4
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated and fully combined.
Step 5
Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2
In a greased baking dish, layer with cooked pasta. Sprinkle with some of the grated cheese and pour some cheese sauce over the pasta and grated cheese.
Step 3
Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by the rest of the cheese sauce. Finish with a generous layer of grated cheese on top.
Step 4
Bake:
Step 1
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 2
Serve and Enjoy:
Step 1
Garnish with parmesan and chives (Optional). Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy masterpiece!