{"id":78830,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-09T00:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamy-cavatappi-cheese\/"},"modified":"2024-07-02T11:19:23","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T16:19:23","slug":"creamy-cavatappi-cheese","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamy-cavatappi-cheese\/","title":{"rendered":"Cavatappi Mac and Cheese"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cook the cavatappi to al dente according to the package directions.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip: <\/em>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.<\/p>\n Stir in the cheese until it has melted, then add the green onions. Drain the cavatappi, then stir it into the cheese sauce.<\/p>\n Preheat your oven to 350\u00b0F. 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u00b0 oven until warm.<\/p>\n 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\u00b0 oven, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> or other green vegetables like garlic broccoli<\/a> or roasted asparagus<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With a crunchy, buttery, bacon-spiked bread crumb topping, this corkscrew cavatappi mac and cheese is a grown-up version of the classic comfort food that kids will love too.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2118816,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[303972,306302,303971,304162,305883,306928,306910,304328,304292,305487,304338,304390,303966,304368,303887,306848,306317,304268,307514,306297,324623,304243,304388,304150,303883,304403],"categories-v2":[308503,312163,308500,309439,311532,309924,309906,308988,308984,308481,308305,310796,308992,308761,308495,308745,308478,309603,312180,259483,310497,312156,309177,309586,308752,309434,308476,308812],"coauthors":[343320],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Creamy Macaroni and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/creamy-macaroni-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Creamy-Macaroni-and-Cheese_EXPS_FT24_36217_EC_041124_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Creamy Macaroni 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Casserole","post_link":"\/recipes\/two-cheese-macaroni-casserole\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps36817_RM1115230D48A-5.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Creamy-Cavatappi---Cheese_EXPS_TOHWinter26_166145_DR_02_06_07b.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/creamy-cavatappi-cheese\/","name":"Cavatappi Mac and Cheese","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-07-02","prepTime":"PT30M","cookTime":"PT20M","totalTime":"PT50M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Creamy-Cavatappi-Cheese_EXPS_TOHWinter26_166145_DR_02_06_07b.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner"],"description":"With a crunchy, buttery, bacon-spiked bread crumb topping, this corkscrew cavatappi mac and cheese is a grown-up version of the classic comfort food that kids will love too.","recipeIngredient":["6 cups uncooked cavatappi or spiral pasta","3 garlic cloves, minced","1\/3 cup butter","1\/4 cup all-purpose flour","1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce","4 cups 2% milk","6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese","1 cup cubed Velveeta","3 green onions, chopped","TOPPINGS:","1\/2 cup panko bread crumbs","3 thick-sliced bacon strips, cooked and coarsely crumbled","1 tablespoon butter, melted","1 green onion, chopped","Coarsely ground pepper, optional"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook the pasta","text":"Cook the cavatappi to al dente according to the package directions."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make a roux","text":"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."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Add the cheese","text":"Stir in the cheese until it has melted, then add the green onions. Drain the cavatappi, then stir it into the cheese sauce."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Top with bread crumbs","text":"Preheat your oven to 350\u00b0F. Transfer the pasta to a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, bacon and melted butter, and sprinkle them over the casserole."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Bake the mac and cheese","text":"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."}],"recipeYield":"10 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Kate McKiernan"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 706 calories","fatContent":"38g fat (21g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"110mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"782mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"60g carbohydrate (8g sugars","fiberContent":"3g fiber)","proteinContent":"32g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.7647057,"reviewCount":17,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-10-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"LPHJKitchen"},"reviewBody":"Oh my goodness - this is a fantastic 'grown-up' mac & cheese recipe! So rich and creamy. I made it for a party side dish and it was a big hit - no leftovers!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2021-11-01","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Hannah223"},"reviewBody":"This was the best Mac and Cheese recipe I have ever made. Tasted like it was from a gourmet restaurant. Very easy to make and very easy to eat. I will definitely be making this again soon.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-10-31","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"suesschrod"},"reviewBody":"My family's absolute favorite! It is also yummy when warmed up:)","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-02-15","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"mjw"},"reviewBody":"This is a definite do-over. Made a pan for a family where the young mother of 4 is going through chemo (and a test portion for myself). They went wild over it. Fabulous restaurant quality recipe. The garlic and green onion really set it apart from other mac & cheese recipes. Loved it.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-12-15","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"homecookcharity"},"reviewBody":"amazing!! fairly easy to make too","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-10-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Weems Grnadma","givenName":"Weems","familyName":"Grnadma"},"reviewBody":"You can easily assume when there are no nutritional facts you don't even want to know!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-10-30","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"cooksonhigh"},"reviewBody":"I made this last night. Definitely not a cheap recipe, but very good. I did add 3\/4 lb of cubed Boars Head Black Forest Ham because I wanted it to be my main dish and an extra slice of Bacon because who doesn't love Bacon. It does make a lot, but we like the convenience of leftovers. I have 3 elderly parents I send food to. My mom loved it! My mother-in-law will have it tonight. Served with Sugar Snapped Peas. Yes, I'll make this again.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2015-02-02","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"whatnancyloves"},"reviewBody":"Yes this is definitely a grown-up mac & cheese - my 13 y\/o son not so keen about it and asking what's that spicy taste, I'll make one again for the adults and for kids without the hot sauce :)","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-02-10","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"geysergazer"},"reviewBody":"Each member of my family came up to me separately and said, \"Mom, this is a keeper!\"","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-02-24","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"ColleenaG"},"reviewBody":"Everyone loved this version of mac & cheese. I thought when making the dish that I was going to have way too much cheese sauce but it was exactly right for 6 cups of pasta. Next time, however, I will make a 1\/2 recipe at a time.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-10-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"viera"},"reviewBody":"What a great adult mac and cheese. The hot sauce cinches it for us.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-07-05","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Lynn M.","givenName":"Lynn","familyName":"M."},"reviewBody":"This recipe makes a lot!!!!! I wish they had given the amount of servings with the recipe, It's very good, but it did take me a fairly long time to make. If you decide to try it, have a big group of people first, and have your ingredients all ready when you start. For 5 people we barly made a dent in it. Kids loved it!! I also used Hormel bacon pieces (real bacon) instead of frying the bacon. Tasted great!!!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-10-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"diane911"},"reviewBody":"Milk, butter, bacon and cheese's whatever the nutritional values are you know they are not going to be good. If you want a healthy Mac and cheese this wil not be it. You can sub all items for lesser calroric intake but it probably won't taste the same. Omg! Delish!! Or consider smaller servings..","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-01-17","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Joscy"},"reviewBody":"Looks like will be making this sometime. Will try with bow ties, see how well that goes over.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2018-03-28","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"P vinodMenon","givenName":"P","familyName":"vinodMenon"},"reviewBody":"Lovely recipe-love cheese-will try to get it made at home or will try to get it in a big restaurant hopefully-thanks for the recipe.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2013-01-11","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"RhondaK65"},"reviewBody":"Really tasty and creamy. I cut the recipe in half and it still fed 6. What is with the crazy portion sizes? Left out onions because we don't care for them. Where are the nutrition facts?","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2014-10-29","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Yolanda-Patricia"},"reviewBody":"Excellent recipes.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"166145","romance_copy_dek":"With a crunchy, buttery, bacon-spiked bread crumb topping, this corkscrew cavatappi mac and cheese is a grown-up version of the classic comfort food that kids will love too.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Creamy Cavatappi & Cheese","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"6 cups uncooked cavatappi or spiral pasta","IngredientText":"6 cups uncooked cavatappi or spiral pasta"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 garlic cloves, minced","IngredientText":"3 garlic cloves, minced"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/3 cup butter","IngredientText":"1\/3 cup butter"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 cup all-purpose flour","IngredientText":"1\/4 cup all-purpose flour"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"4 cups 2% milk","IngredientText":"4 cups 2% milk"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese","IngredientText":"6 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup cubed Velveeta","IngredientText":"1 cup cubed Velveeta"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 green onions, chopped","IngredientText":"3 green onions, chopped"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"TOPPINGS:<\/b>","IngredientText":"TOPPINGS:<\/b>"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup panko bread crumbs","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup panko bread crumbs"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 thick-sliced bacon strips, cooked and coarsely crumbled","IngredientText":"3 thick-sliced bacon strips, cooked and coarsely crumbled"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 tablespoon butter, melted","IngredientText":"1 tablespoon butter, melted"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 green onion, chopped","IngredientText":"1 green onion, chopped"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"Coarsely ground pepper, optional","IngredientText":"Coarsely ground pepper, optional"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Creamy-Cavatappi---Cheese_EXPS_TOHWinter26_166145_DR_02_06_07b.jpg","RecipeId":166145,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Creamy Cavatappi & Cheese Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Creamy-Cavatappi---Cheese_EXPS_TOHWinter26_166145_DR_02_06_07b.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Barbara","Lastname":"Colucci","City":"Rockledge","StateDescription":"Florida","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":10,"MaximumServingQuantity":10,"Yield":"10 servings.","DigitalTitle":"Creamy Cavatappi & Cheese","SubmittedTitle":"Creamy Catatappi Mac 'N' Cheese","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":4.76,"WebPublishedDate":"1\/1\/2018 12:00:00 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_MITI23_166145_DR_03_08_4b.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":30,"CookTimeInMinutes":20,"TotalTimeInMinutes":50,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Creamy Cavatappi & Cheese","OriginalSourceProject":"Creamy Cavatappi & Cheese","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":"Cavatappi Mac and Cheese Ingredients<\/h2>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Cook the pasta<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Make a roux<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Add the cheese<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Top with bread crumbs<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Bake the mac and cheese<\/h3>\n
Recipe Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Cavatappi Mac and Cheese<\/h2>\n
Can you freeze cavatappi mac and cheese?<\/h3>\n
How do you reheat cavatappi mac and cheese?<\/h3>\n
Can you make cavatappi mac and cheese ahead of time?<\/h3>\n
Cavatappi Mac and Cheese Tips<\/h2>\n
How do you keep macaroni and cheese creamy?<\/h3>\n
What can you serve with cavatappi mac and cheese?<\/h3>\n
Cavatappi & Cheese Tips<\/h2> \r\n\r\n
What is cavatappi?<\/h3> \r\nCavatappi is a thick, hallow, corkscrew shaped pasta. \r\n\r\n
What can I use instead of cavatappi?<\/h3> \r\nAn easy substitute for cavatappi pasta is elbow macaroni! \r\n\r\n
What goes well with cavatappi?<\/h3> \r\nSeveral dishes would go well with cavatappi. The cheesy, creamy dish pairs perfectly with side dishes like a mixed green salad<\/a> or simple side such as garlic broccoli<\/a>. \r\n\r\nResearch contributed by Sarah Fischer<\/a>, Taste Recipes Culinary Assistant<\/i>","Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"Dive fork-first into oodles of noodles baked to bubbly perfection and coated with a to-die-for sharp cheddar cheese sauce in this cavatappi, a grown-up version of mac and cheese. Hot sauce lends mild heat that\u2019s delectable with the smoky topping. \u2014Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Cook cavatappi according to package directions.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" Meanwhile, saute garlic in butter in a Dutch oven. Stir in flour and pepper sauce until blended; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.","SequenceNo":2},{"Direction":" Stir in cheeses until melted; add green onions. Drain cavatappi; stir into cheese mixture.","SequenceNo":3},{"Direction":" Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, bacon and melted butter; sprinkle over the top.","SequenceNo":4},{"Direction":" Bake, uncovered, at 350\u00b0 until bubbly, 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with green onion and, if desired, pepper.","SequenceNo":5}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":0},{"Name":"Baked Pasta","ID":111670},{"Name":"Baking Recipes","ID":111650}],"Course":[{"Name":"Course","ID":0},{"Name":"Baked Macaroni and Cheese","ID":97106},{"Name":"Casseroles","ID":94746},{"Name":"Dinner Recipes","ID":94278},{"Name":"Pasta & Sauces","ID":94794},{"Name":"Pork Dinner Recipes","ID":94802}],"Cuisine":[{"Name":"Cuisine","ID":0},{"Name":"Comfort Food Dinner Recipes","ID":89564},{"Name":"Comfort Food Recipes","ID":89540},{"Name":"Cuisine","ID":0}],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":0},{"Name":"Cheese Recipes","ID":100417},{"Name":"Macaroni and Cheese Recipes","ID":100881},{"Name":"Milk","ID":102025},{"Name":"Onions","ID":102029},{"Name":"Pasta Dinners","ID":100649},{"Name":"Pasta Recipes","ID":100653}],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[{"Name":"Publication","ID":0},{"Name":"Simple Dinner Recipes","ID":107421},{"Name":"Simple Recipes","ID":107261},{"Name":"View All Simple Recipes","ID":107453}],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Baked Pasta","ID":306302},{"Name":"Casseroles","ID":305883},{"Name":"Macaroni & Cheese","ID":306317},{"Name":"Pasta Dishes","ID":306297},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"13 x 9","ID":303972},{"Name":"Bakeware","ID":303971},{"Name":"Holidays & Events","ID":304368},{"Name":"Fall","ID":304390},{"Name":"Seasons","ID":304388},{"Name":"Winter","ID":304403},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Cheddar Cheese","ID":306928},{"Name":"Cheese","ID":306910},{"Name":"Pasta","ID":307514},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Dinner","ID":304292},{"Name":"Techniques","ID":304150},{"Name":"Baking Casseroles & Savories","ID":304162},{"Name":"Sauteing","ID":304243},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":1,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1 cup: 706 calories, 38g fat (21g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 782mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.","NoOfRatings":17,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Creamy-Cavatappi---Cheese_EXPS_TOHWinter26_166145_DR_02_06_07b.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Creamy-Cavatappi---Cheese_EXPS_TOHWinter26_166145_DR_02_06_07b.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[{"TipType":"Test Kitchen Tips (Q&A)","TipTitle":"","TipText":"
Cavatappi & Cheese Tips<\/h2>
What is cavatappi?<\/h3> Cavatappi is a thick, hallow, corkscrew shaped pasta.
What can I use instead of cavatappi?<\/h3> An easy substitute for cavatappi pasta is elbow macaroni!
What goes well with cavatappi?<\/h3> Several dishes would go well with cavatappi. The cheesy, creamy dish pairs perfectly with side dishes like a mixed green salad<\/a> or simple side such as garlic broccoli<\/a>. Research contributed by Sarah Fischer<\/a>, Taste Recipes Culinary Assistant<\/i>"}]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43222,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":312156,"name":"Pasta Dishes","slug":"pasta-dishes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312091,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Simmer a cozy supper with these pasta dish recipes, including vegetarian pasta recipes for meatless Monday.","parent":310796,"count":2906,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/"},{"term_id":312163,"name":"Baked Pasta","slug":"baked-pasta","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312098,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Looking for baked pasta recipes? Find baked pasta recipes including baked penne pasta, baked pasta casserole, and more baked pasta recipes.","parent":312156,"count":680,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/baked-pasta\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Creamy Cavatappi & Cheese"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\n