The Only Mac & Cheese Recipe You'll Ever Need

Ingredients

• 1 pound Cavatappi Pasta (dry, ridged shape)
• 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt (for boiling pasta water)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin, to coat pasta)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (35% fat, adds richness)
• 2 cups Whole Milk (3.5% fat)
• 4 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled and smashed)
• 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Leaves (optional, adds herb flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard Powder
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• ½ teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
• 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded, aged for sharpness)
• 1 cup Gouda Cheese (shredded, mild nutty flavor)
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded low‑moisture, for stretchiness)
• 4 ounces Goat Cheese (crumbled)
• ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, for topping)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta

   Fill the heavy‑bottomed pot with water, bring to a rolling boil, add 2 tbsp kosher salt, then add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta. Stir once to prevent sticking and cook for about 4 minutes, a couple minutes less than the package's 6‑minute al dente time.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: 212°F

2. Drain and Oil Pasta

   Drain the pasta in a colander, return it to the pot, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and toss gently to coat and prevent clumping.

   Time: PT2M

3. Prepare Aromatics

   Peel 4 garlic cloves by shaking them in a bowl, then smash lightly. Add garlic, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp dry mustard, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp cracked black pepper to a saucepan with 1 cup heavy cream and 2 cups whole milk.

   Time: PT5M

4. Infuse Cream Sauce

   Simmer the cream mixture over low heat for 3‑4 minutes until fragrant. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   Time: PT4M

5. Melt First Portion of Cheese

   Add half of the shredded cheese mixture (1 cup cheddar, ½ cup gouda, ½ cup mozzarella, and 2 oz goat cheese) to the warm cream sauce. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth.

   Time: PT3M

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Transfer the oiled pasta back into the pot, pour the cheese‑infused sauce over it, and toss until every piece is evenly coated.

   Time: PT2M

7. Layer in Baking Dish

   Spread half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of a 9×13‑inch baking dish, pat gently. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese (1 cup cheddar, ½ cup gouda, ½ cup mozzarella, 2 oz goat cheese) evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese, finishing with a generous mound of grated Parmesan.

   Time: PT5M

8. Broil

   Place a sheet of aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the oven rack beneath the dish to catch any overflow. Preheat the oven’s broiler to high (about 450°F). Slide the dish under the broiler and watch closely; broil for 4‑5 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 450°F

9. Rest and Serve

   Remove the dish from the oven, let it rest for 3 minutes to set, then serve hot.

   Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

650

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

55g

Fat

35g

Fiber

2g