Creamy Holiday Mac and Cheese with Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Colby Jack

This pasta recipe was extracted from a TikTok cooking video and organized into 16 ingredients with step-by-step instructions.

TikTok video recipe pasta16 ingredients

Ingredients list

pastaeasylunchdinnerday to dayspecial occasionfamilyamericanaffordable30 to 60min

Pasta

1 lb. Cellentani pasta

Dairy

1/2 lb. sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb. mozzarella cheese
1 lb. colby jack cheese
1 can evaporated milk
2 cups heavy cream
3 tbsp butter

Spices

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dijon mustard
parsley flakes

Other

4 quarts of water
Some salt
3 tbsp all purpose flour

Cooking steps

Mac n Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil Water

In a large pot, set to high heat, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add some salt to the water.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Add 1 lb. of Cellentani pasta to the boiling water. Cook for 11 to 12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Grate Cheese

Grate 1/2 lb. of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 lb. of mozzarella cheese, and 1 lb. of colby jack cheese.

Step 4: Mix Spices

In a bowl, mix together 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Sauce

In a pot set to low medium heat, melt 3 tbsp of butter. Add half of the spice mix and mix well.

Step 6: Add Flour

Add 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour in two parts, mixing to avoid lumps.

Step 7: Add Milk and Cream

Slowly add 1 can of evaporated milk and 2 cups of heavy cream, mixing until combined.

Step 8: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add the remaining spice mix and 2 tsp of dijon mustard. Mix well.

Step 9: Add Cheese

Gradually add the grated cheeses in two parts, mixing until melted and combined.

Step 10: Fold in Pasta

Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.

Step 11: Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer half of the mac and cheese to a baking dish, add a layer of cheese, then the remaining pasta, and top with the rest of the cheese.

Step 12: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 13: Broil

After baking, broil for 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a crispy top.

Step 14: Serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley flakes, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious mac and cheese!

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