Creamy Bacon Cavatappi Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Creamy Bacon Cavatappi Mac & Cheese. This one-pot wonder combines crispy bacon with tender cavatappi pasta, enveloped in a velvety blend of gooey cheeses and a hint of spice. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish offers a delightful mix of creamy textures and smoky notes, making it an instant favorite. Serve it warm, topped with fresh chives and a pinch of cayenne for that extra kick!
6
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
thick-cut bacon
4 slices (chopped (about 1/2 pound))
cavatappi pasta
1 lb
kosher salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (coarsely grated (about 2 cups, packed))
sharp cheddar cheese
6 ounces (coarsely grated (about 2 cups, packed))
Fontina cheese
3 ounces (coarsely grated (about 1 cup, packed))
cream cheese
3 ounces
milk
1/3 cup
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons
mustard powder
1 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon
chives
handful (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a 5 1/2 quart Dutch oven, add chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon onto a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2
Pour the cavatappi pasta into the pot containing the bacon fat. Add 4 cups of water and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, stirring frequently until the pasta is just tender and a small amount of water remains, about 7 minutes.
3
Lower the heat and add in the mozzarella, cheddar, fontina, cream cheese, milk, butter, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir gently until all the cheeses are melted and well combined, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
4
Remove the pot from heat and fold in the crispy bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish. Serve the mac and cheese immediately, garnished with chopped chives and an extra sprinkle of cayenne, if desired.
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
33g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Creamy Bacon Cavatappi Mac & Cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 400 calories in each serving.
How many slices of bacon are required?
The recipe requires 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, which is about 1/2 pound.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of cavatappi pasta.
What size Dutch oven is recommended?
A 5 1/2 quart Dutch oven is recommended for this one-pot meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients.
What are the four types of cheese used?
The recipe uses mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Fontina, and cream cheese.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 22g of fat per serving.
How much protein does one serving contain?
Each serving contains 17g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to drain the bacon fat?
No, you leave the rendered fat in the pot to cook the pasta for added flavor.
How much water is used to boil the pasta?
You use 4 cups of water to cook the pasta.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
You need 8 ounces or about 2 cups of coarsely grated mozzarella cheese.
How much sharp cheddar is required?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces or about 2 cups of coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese.
What amount of Fontina cheese is needed?
You need 3 ounces or about 1 cup of coarsely grated Fontina cheese.
How much cream cheese is added to the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of cream cheese.
What quantity of milk is used?
You should use 1/3 cup of milk.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses mustard powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much mustard powder is included?
There is 1 teaspoon of mustard powder in this recipe.
How much cayenne pepper should be added?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the dish with a handful of chopped chives and an extra sprinkle of cayenne if desired.
How long does it take to simmer the pasta?
The pasta should simmer for about 7 minutes until just tender.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a one-pot wonder where everything is cooked in a single Dutch oven.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include one-pot meal, mac and cheese, bacon, comfort food, and creamy pasta.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as both a quick recipe and an easy dinner.
Do I cook the pasta until all water is gone?
No, you should simmer until the pasta is tender and a small amount of water remains to help form the sauce.
When do I add the bacon back to the dish?
Fold the crispy bacon in after the pot is removed from the heat and the cheese sauce is smooth.
Should the bacon be chopped before cooking?
Yes, the 4 slices of thick-cut bacon should be chopped before being added to the pot.