Rotini and Cheese
Dive into comfort food bliss with this irresistibly creamy Rotini and Cheese recipe, a hearty twist on traditional mac and cheese that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Featuring perfectly tender rotini pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and parmesan, this dish is elevated with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping toasted in olive oil for a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a main course or indulgent side dish, this baked pasta casserole combines robust flavors with an easy-to-follow method, ready in just 40 minutes. Ideal for weeknight meals or potluck gatherings, "Rotini and Cheese" offers a delightful blend of cheesy comfort with a savory kick from paprika and black pepper. Don't just make a meal—create a masterpiece that everyone will crave!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until fully melted and smooth.
Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika to the cheese sauce, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta with the cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the cheesy pasta to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the crumbs over the pasta evenly to form a topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread crumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Rotini and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
498 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.0 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.7 g | 93% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 86 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 917 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.8 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 23.3 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 577 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 258 mg | 5% | |
*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.
