Gourmet Fontina & Parmesan Cavatappi Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Gourmet Fontina & Parmesan Cavatappi Bake. This dish elevates the classic mac and cheese experience with a luxurious blend of creamy Fontina and rich Parmesan cheeses, enveloped in perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta. With each forkful, you'll experience the delightful harmony of melty cheese and al dente noodles, balanced by a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. This recipe is not just a meal—it's an experience that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this mac and cheese will have your loved ones asking for seconds and thirds. Your love for macaroni and cheese will reach new heights as you savor the rich flavors and irresistible creaminess of this homemade dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cavatappi pasta
1 lb (tubular pasta, cooked al dente)
butter
4-5 tablespoons (melted)
heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (heated)
domestic fontina cheese
1 cup (grated)
parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (grated, divided)
garlic salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Emeril's Original Essence
to taste (seasoning)
grated nutmeg
to taste (seasoning)
parsley
1 teaspoon (chopped)
panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (mixed with other toppings)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to broil, setting it to high (or low, depending on your oven's intensity). In a large pot, bring water to a boil and season generously with salt, creating a brine-like environment. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, melt 4-5 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, slowly add in the heavy cream, warming it gently without allowing it to boil. Season the cream with garlic salt, pepper, Emeril's Original Essence, and a touch of grated nutmeg, adjusting to your taste. Be cautious not to over-salt since Parmesan cheese will be added later.
3
Once the cream is heated through, remove it from the heat and stir in the grated fontina cheese and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan until fully melted and combined.
4
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix until the pasta is evenly coated. In a separate bowl, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter and combine it with the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of garlic salt.
5
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the top. Broil in the oven for a few minutes until the topping becomes golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
6
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy the luxurious, cheesy goodness of your Gourmet Fontina & Parmesan Cavatappi Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in the Gourmet Fontina & Parmesan Cavatappi Bake?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of cavatappi pasta, which is a tubular, corkscrew-shaped pasta.
Which two types of cheese are the stars of this dish?
The dish features a luxurious blend of creamy Fontina and rich Parmesan cheeses.
How should the cavatappi pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente in a large pot of water seasoned generously with salt.
What seasonings are added to the heavy cream sauce?
The cream is seasoned with garlic salt, pepper, Emeril's Original Essence, and a touch of grated nutmeg.
How much heavy cream is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream.
How much butter is used to make the cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce base uses 4-5 tablespoons of melted butter.
What is the total amount of Parmesan cheese required?
A total of 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is needed for the entire recipe.
How is the Parmesan cheese divided during the cooking process?
1/2 cup of Parmesan is stirred into the sauce, while the remaining 1/4 cup is used for the panko topping.
What ingredients make up the crispy topping?
The topping consists of 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of garlic salt.
What is the purpose of adding nutmeg to the sauce?
A touch of grated nutmeg is added to provide a subtle warmth and depth to the creamy cheese sauce.
Should the heavy cream be boiled when making the sauce?
No, the heavy cream should be warmed gently without allowing it to boil.
What warning is given regarding the salt content?
You should be cautious not to over-salt the cream because the Parmesan cheese added later will introduce additional saltiness.
How much domestic fontina cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of grated domestic fontina cheese.
What are the final cooking steps for the bake?
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, add the panko topping, and broil until golden brown and bubbly.
How should I set my oven for the final step?
Preheat the oven to broil on either high or low depending on your oven's intensity.
How much parsley is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley, primarily for the panko topping.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used for the crunch?
Panko breadcrumbs are used to provide a satisfying crunch to the topping.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as an experience perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why is it important to keep a close eye on the dish while broiling?
Broiling happens quickly, and you need to monitor it to prevent the panko topping from burning.
How long should the dish sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the bake sit for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven.
What is Emeril's Original Essence?
It is a specific seasoning blend used in the recipe to enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce.
Does the recipe use melted butter for the topping?
Yes, 1-2 tablespoons of butter are melted and combined with the panko and other topping ingredients.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as rich, creamy, and irresistible.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe includes a total of 11 ingredients.
Is this recipe categorized as comfort food?
Yes, it is labeled as the ultimate comfort food and a gourmet version of mac and cheese.
Can I use any type of fontina?
The ingredient list specifically suggests using domestic fontina cheese.
How do you ensure the pasta is evenly coated?
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly before transferring it to the baking dish.
What is the role of garlic salt in the topping?
A pinch of garlic salt is added to the panko mixture to season the crust.
What flavor profile does the Parmesan add?
The Parmesan adds a rich and salty flavor that balances the creaminess of the Fontina.
What is the overall goal of this dish?
To create a gourmet mac and cheese experience that brings warmth and joy with every bite.