Creamy Stove Top Rotini and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Stove Top Rotini and Cheese—an easy, 30-minute recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Featuring tender rotini pasta coated in a luxuriously rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, this dish achieves the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. A simple roux of butter and flour creates the base for the silky sauce, which is elevated with the addition of whole milk, heavy cream, and optional paprika for a subtle kick. Prepared entirely on the stove top, this one-pot wonder is quick to make, customizable, and ideal for serving as a main dish or hearty side. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic bowl of mac and cheese or introducing a gourmet twist to a classic, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 4 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Instructions
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. The mixture should become smooth and slightly bubbly.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of paprika (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked rotini pasta back to the pot and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly in the cheese sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and well-coated.
Serve warm and enjoy your creamy stove top rotini and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
822 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.4 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.1 g | 190% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 182 mg | 61% | |
| Sodium | 2754 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.6 g | ||
| Protein | 30.2 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 864 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 270 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
