Cavatappi Mac and Cheese

Leave those powdery boxed mac and cheese dinners for the kids, and make this cavatappi mac and cheese recipe for the adults (though in truth, kids love it too). This dish stands out among our best mac and cheese recipes because of the pasta’s unique spiral shape and the sauce’s rich, complex flavors. It’s everything you love about mac and cheese, with a decadent, modern twist.

Cavatappi (a thick, hollow, corkscrew-shaped pasta) holds onto the cheese sauce exceptionally well, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and creamy. The spiral shape also adds a substantial texture to the dish. And then there’s the sauce, which starts with a silky-smooth roux and which then gets spiked with garlic and a hint of hot sauce. With a bacon-studded, buttery bread crumb topping, this is one mac and cheese to wow the crowd.

Cavatappi Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Cavatappi or spiral pasta: Cavatappi adds a different textural dimension to mac and cheese, but you can use any spiral or tubular pasta shape—or even just good, old-fashioned macaroni! Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente; the heat of the sauce and the time in the oven will bring it to its ultimate doneness.
• Garlic: When cooked in butter, garlic becomes fragrant and helps to infuse the sauce with a deep, rich taste. Mince it ahead of time for easier prep.
• Butter: You need butter to make a roux, the foundation of any great mac and cheese sauce. You also need butter for the crunchy bread crumb topping.
• All-purpose flour: Flour is the second component in a roux. It acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, helping it cling to the pasta without being too runny.
• Hot pepper sauce: Whether you prefer homemade spicy hot sauce or store-bought hot sauces, this secret ingredient adds a subtle kick to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor without overwhelming the palate.
• Milk: As the primary liquid in the cheese sauce, milk provides a creamy base that helps dissolve and smoothly integrate the cheeses. We like 2% milk because it balances richness and lower fat content.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: You know it for its distinctive orange color, but it’s cheddar’s flavor and texture that are essential to a great mac and cheese. Sharp cheddar melts like a dream and is an excellent contrast to the more neutral Velveeta.
• Velveeta: We aren’t above a shortcut. This processed cheese is a secret ingredient for a perfectly smooth, velvety cheese sauce because it prevents the sauce from becoming grainy or separated.
• Green onions: Green onions provide a pop of color and a subtle crunch to the dish. Their fresh, mild flavor adds a bit of brightness to both the rich creamy sauce and the crackling crust.
• Panko bread crumbs: We love panko bread crumbs because they are lighter and crispier than regular bread crumbs, making them ideal for crunchy toppings. If you don’t have panko, use homemade bread crumbs or any bread crumbs you have on hand.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to this cheesy dish, making it even richer and heartier. It also contributes a satisfying crunch to the bread crumb topping.
• Ground pepper: Coarsely ground pepper adds a bit of extra zip to the cheese sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Cook the cavatappi to al dente according to the package directions.

Step 2: Make a roux

Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, saute the garlic in butter. Stir in the flour and hot pepper sauce until they’re blended, then gradually add the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, cooking and stirring until it has thickened, about two minutes.

Editor’s Tip: To prevent the roux and sauce from burning, we recommend using a thick-bottomed pot over low heat. When making a roux, whisk the flour and butter together until they’re lump-free, then gradually add the milk and continue stirring until the sauce comes together.

Step 3: Add the cheese

Stir in the cheese until it has melted, then add the green onions. Drain the cavatappi, then stir it into the cheese sauce.

Step 4: Top with bread crumbs

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the pasta to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, bacon and melted butter, and sprinkle them over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake the mac and cheese

Bake the mac and cheese, uncovered, until it’s bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with green onions and a few grinds of black pepper.

Recipe Variations

• Change the cheese: Go beyond cheddar! For a different flavor profile, try some of the other great melting cheeses, like Gruyere or smoked Gouda.
• Try truffle oil: To really gild the lily, add a drop of truffle oil (not too much!) for some luxurious flair.
• Go big on veggies: Add spinach, artichoke hearts, broccoli or earthy mushrooms for a pop of color and flavor.
• Add some protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, shrimp or ground turkey to your mac and cheese.
• Spice it up: For an additional spicy surprise, add a little more hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika or some diced jalapenos.

How to Store Cavatappi Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with cavatappi makes great leftovers. Once it cools, transfer the mac and cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze cavatappi mac and cheese?

You can freeze cavatappi mac and cheese either baked or unbaked. To freeze leftover baked macaroni and cheese, wrap the pan tightly or store individual portions in airtight containers. To freeze unbaked mac and cheese, assemble the dish through Step 3, then allow it to cool before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Cavatappi mac and cheese will last up to three months in the freezer. Allow frozen mac and cheese to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or baking it. To bake it from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then top it with the bread crumb mixture and bake it according to the directions.

How do you reheat cavatappi mac and cheese?

To reheat leftover mac and cheese, simply place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in a 350° oven until warm.

Can you make cavatappi mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare cavatappi mac and cheese ahead of time. Follow the instructions through Step 3, cover the assembled dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for the best consistency. When ready to serve, add the bread crumb mixture and bake it in a 350° oven, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.

Cavatappi Mac and Cheese Tips

How do you keep macaroni and cheese creamy?

There are three components to creamy mac and cheese: not too much flour in the roux, enough milk in the sauce, and the right kind of melting cheese. A roux should be equal parts butter and flour, so add only what’s called for to keep it balanced. Similarly, too much milk will make the mac soupy, and too little will make it dense. Lastly, some cheeses melt better than others. This recipe uses Velveeta to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

What can you serve with cavatappi mac and cheese?

Mac and cheese with cavatappi can be your main or it can make a spectacular side dish. The cheesy, creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a simple mixed green salad or other green vegetables like garlic broccoli or roasted asparagus.