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!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika to the cheese sauce, adjusting the seasoning to taste.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta with the cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the cheesy pasta to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread crumb topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Rotini and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1531 grams (1531.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3781

Total Fat 190.90g	245%
Saturated Fat 108.50g	543%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 532mg	177%
Sodium 5846mg	254%
Total Carbohydrate 359.10g	131%
Dietary Fiber 16.00g	57%
Total Sugars 52.00g
Protein 165.30g	331%

Vitamin D 370IU	1851%
Calcium 3628mg	279%
Iron 18mg	99%
Potassium 2328mg	50%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.0%

Protein: 17.3%

Carbs: 37.6%