Creamy Cheese Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Seasonings and Others
01 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
02 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
03 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Pasta and Dairy
07 -
2 cups heavy cream
08 -
12 ounces evaporated milk (roughly one can)
09 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 -
1 pound colby jack cheese
11 -
1 pound mozzarella cheese
12 -
1/2 pound sharp cheddar cheese
13 -
1 pound corkscrew or cavatappi pasta
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Boil water in a big pot with some salt, then cook the pasta following the box directions. After draining, set the pasta aside.
02 -
Grate the cheeses on the coarse side of a box grater while waiting for the water to boil. Toss them together in a large bowl, split into two parts, and set aside.
03 -
Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small dish. Leave this aside for later.
04 -
In a big pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in half of the spices and then add the flour. Cook, stirring all the time, until it bubbles and comes together smoothly.
05 -
Slowly whisk the evaporated milk into the butter mixture until smooth. Add the heavy cream and stir in the Dijon mustard along with the rest of the spice blend. Let it simmer, stirring every now and then, until it gets thicker.
06 -
Turn the heat down really low and mix in half of the grated cheeses bit by bit. Let each handful melt before adding more.
07 -
Pour the cooked pasta into the cheesy sauce. Stir until all the noodles are fully covered in the creamy mixture.
08 -
Spoon half the cheesy pasta into a casserole dish and sprinkle half the remaining cheese on top. Add the rest of the pasta and finish with the rest of the cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling, then broil for a couple of minutes to crisp the top.
# Notes:
01 -
This makes enough for around 10 people if it’s a side dish or for about 5-6 if it’s the main meal.
02 -
Allow the dish to cool down a bit before eating so you don’t burn yourself.