Best-Of-Both-Worlds Mac & Cheese
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish elevated with smoked Gouda and chives, featuring a golden breadcrumb topping for the ultimate comfort food experience. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs cavatappi pasta, shredded smoked Gouda cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cavatappi pasta
- 1 cup, shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped chives
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute until golden.
- Step 2: Gradually whisk in milk, then add 1/2 cup smoked Gouda, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in drained pasta and reserved pasta water until creamy.
- Step 3: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter, toss with panko breadcrumbs, and sprinkle evenly over pasta. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Sprinkle with chives before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Of-Both-Worlds Mac & Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best-Of-Both-Worlds Mac & Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cavatappi pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Of-Both-Worlds Mac & Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best-Of-Both-Worlds Mac & Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best-Of-Both-Worlds Mac & Cheese?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
