Description
Corkscrew pasta, including cavatappi, fusilli, and rotini, is perfect for holding onto sauces, making it a great choice for rich and flavorful dishes. This recipe features a creamy cheese sauce that coats every twist of the pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 12 oz corkscrew pasta (cavatappi, fusilli, or rotini)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for boiling pasta)
Optional Toppings & Add-ins
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add Milk & Thicken: Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir well to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with parsley, bacon, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before serving. If you prefer a baked version, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Corkscrew pasta, creamy pasta, mac and cheese, fusilli recipe, cavatappi pasta