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Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 773 reviews

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese is a comforting classic elevated with the rich flavors of garlic, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Made with cavatappi pasta and a luscious homemade garlic butter roux, the dish is baked with a golden breadcrumb topping for a crispy finish. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe yields 8 generous servings and comes together in just 37 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 16 ounces cavatappi pasta

Garlic Butter Roux & Sauce

  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter
  • 5 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Dairy

  • 2 cups (490 g / 16 ounces) whole milk
  • 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
  • ½ block (4 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) parmesan cheese, grated, divided

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Topping

  • 1 cup (108 g) plain breadcrumbs
  • Reserved mozzarella and parmesan cheese for topping

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 16 ounces of cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Garlic Butter Roux: In a large saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 5 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until bubbly and lightly golden.
  3. Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy whipping cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
  4. Season Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground mustard, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to flavor the sauce evenly.
  5. Add Cheeses: Lower the heat and add ½ block (4 ounces) cubed cream cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella (reserve a small amount for topping), and 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese (reserve some for topping). Stir continuously until all cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup plain breadcrumbs with ½ teaspoon paprika and the reserved mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
  8. Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese topping over the pasta. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For best results, do not overcook the pasta in the boiling step; it should be al dente as it will cook further in the oven.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute the cavatappi pasta with elbow macaroni or any other short pasta shape.
  • Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • For a crispier topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Keywords: garlic parmesan mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cavatappi pasta recipes, comfort food

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/garlic-parmesan-mac-and-cheese-recipe/