Creamy Rotini Mac & Cheese Delight
Indulge in this rich and creamy mac and cheese that pays homage to the beloved California Pizza Kitchen version. With its velvety Velveeta cheese melted into luscious heavy cream and a hint of buttery goodness, this dish promises comfort in every bite. Perfectly cooked rotini pasta serves as the ultimate base, capturing every drop of cheesy sauce. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this mac and cheese will be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve it as a main course or as a delightful side dish.
8
Servings
275
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
Velveeta cheese
8 ounces (cut into cubes)
Heavy cream
1 1/4 cups (measured)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (measured)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, combine the cut Velveeta cheese, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Heat over low flame, stirring consistently until the cheese has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Do not rinse, as you want the pasta to retain some of its starch for sauce adherence.
4
Add the drained pasta directly to the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce until every piece is fully coated. Allow it to simmer on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
5
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
25g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of uncooked rotini pasta.
What kind of cheese is used for the sauce?
Velveeta cheese is used to create the rich and velvety sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 275 calories per serving.
Can I use a different shape of pasta?
Yes, though rotini is recommended as it is excellent at capturing the cheesy sauce.
How long should I boil the rotini pasta?
Boil the pasta for 10 to 12 minutes until it is al dente.
Should I rinse the pasta after draining?
No, do not rinse the pasta because the starch helps the cheese sauce adhere better.
What type of cream is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How should I prepare the Velveeta cheese before cooking?
The Velveeta should be cut into cubes to help it melt more easily.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 15g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There is 7.5g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as being a hit with both kids and adults.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while boiling?
Stir the pasta occasionally while it is in the boiling water.
What heat setting should be used to melt the cheese?
Use a low flame to prevent the cheese and cream from burning.
What are some suggested garnishes for this dish?
You can garnish the mac and cheese with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 4 main ingredients: rotini pasta, Velveeta cheese, heavy cream, and unsalted butter.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, it pays homage to the California Pizza Kitchen version of mac and cheese.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 25g of carbohydrates.
How long should the pasta simmer in the sauce?
Allow it to simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes after mixing.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, ideal for busy nights.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as rich, velvety, and luscious.
How much Velveeta cheese do I need?
You will need 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese.
What is the specific amount of heavy cream?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter.
What should the consistency of the cheese mixture be?
The mixture should be stirred until it is completely smooth and creamy.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means the pasta should be cooked to be firm to the bite.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is explicitly categorized as comfort food.
Can I serve this at a family gathering?
Yes, its 8-serving yield makes it ideal for family gatherings.