Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound cellentani pasta
1 Knorr chicken bouillon cube
as needed water, for boiling

For the Cheese Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups Colby Jack cheese, grated
1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, grated

For the Seasoning Blend

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

For Garnish

as needed dried parsley flakes
as needed paprika

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375
2
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the Knorr chicken bouillon cube to the boiling water. Add the cellentani pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min
3
While the pasta is cooking, grate all the block cheeses (sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, and smoked Gouda). Combine them in a large bowl and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min
4
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, Cajun seasoning, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, coarse black pepper, red chili flakes, and dried oregano. Mix well and set aside.
⏱️ 3 min
5
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
⏱️ 2 min
6
Add the prepared seasoning blend to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 min
7
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a roux. It should form a thick paste and smell slightly nutty.
⏱️ 3 min
8
Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until fully incorporated and smooth. Then, slowly whisk in the heavy cream, followed by the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form.
⏱️ 5 min
9
Reduce the heat to low. Add approximately half of the grated cheese mixture to the sauce, a little at a time, whisking continuously until it melts smoothly into a thick, creamy cheese sauce. Do not rush this process to prevent the cheese from clumping.
⏱️ 5 min
10
Remove the cheese sauce from the heat. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min
11
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining grated cheese mixture.
⏱️ 2 min
12
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 375
13
Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with dried parsley flakes and a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.
⏱️ 5 min