1. Home
  2. Recipe Box
  3. Cheesy Three-Cheese Pasta

Easy Mac and Cheese

As seen in Quick and Satisfying Dinner Solutions for Busy Weeknights.

This loaded mac and cheese is all about comfort. It blends colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar into a velvety sauce with heavy cream and evaporated milk. The dish is stacked with layers of cheesy goodness and baked to bubbling perfection, with a quick broil for that golden crust. Serve it as a filling main course or share as a tasty side. The mix of cheeses gives depth and richness, while the smoked paprika and garlic add a bit of spice.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:41:57 GMT
Print Recipe Save Recipe Share Recipe Skip to Recipe
Creamy Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese Save Recipe
Creamy Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese | yummygusto.com

Experience the ultimate three-cheese pasta bake featuring perfectly melted mozzarella, Colby Jack, and aged cheddar. This classic comfort dish transforms simple spiral pasta into an irresistible meal with its velvety cheese sauce and golden-brown crust. The carefully selected cheese blend and precise layering technique ensure every forkful delivers the perfect balance of creamy interior and crispy top.

This recipe consistently impresses guests at family gatherings. The spiral pasta catches the rich sauce in its ridges, creating the perfect bite every time. Even those who typically shy away from seconds find themselves returning for more.

Key Ingredients

  • Spiral pasta: The ridged texture holds sauce perfectly
  • Fresh mozzarella: Creates the classic cheese pull
  • Colby Jack cheese: Adds smooth, creamy texture
  • Sharp cheddar: Provides rich, complex flavor
  • Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the sauce
  • All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce properly
  • Evaporated milk: Ensures smooth consistency
  • Heavy cream: Adds richness to the sauce
  • Seasoning blend: Enhances cheese flavors
  • Dijon mustard: Adds depth to cheese sauce

Preparation Method

Pasta Preparation:
Cook pasta in well-salted water until just firm to bite, approximately 9 minutes. This allows pasta to finish cooking while baking without becoming mushy.
Making the Sauce:
Melt butter over medium heat, incorporate flour gradually while whisking. Cook until golden and fragrant. Slowly add room temperature evaporated milk, followed by warm heavy cream, whisking constantly for smoothness.
Adding Cheese:
Lower heat and incorporate freshly grated cheeses gradually, stirring in a continuous motion until completely melted and smooth.
Baking:
Transfer to preheated oven, watching for bubbling edges and golden top. Finish under broiler briefly for perfect browning.
Cheesy Tini's Mac and Cheese Save Recipe
Cheesy Tini's Mac and Cheese | yummygusto.com

Fresh-grated cheese makes a noticeable difference in texture and melting quality. While it requires extra effort, the superior results make it worthwhile. Pre-shredded cheese simply cannot match the smooth, creamy sauce achieved with freshly grated cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside fresh garden greens with light vinaigrette dressing. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans provide excellent vegetable accompaniments. A crisp white wine or sparkling water complements the rich flavors.

Recipe Variations

Consider adding caramelized onions and crispy bacon between layers. Spice lovers can incorporate diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. For an elevated version, add fresh lump crab meat or lobster pieces.

Storage Instructions

Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to four days. Reheat in 325°F oven with added milk and foil cover. Skip microwave reheating to maintain proper texture.

Close-up Tini's Mac and Cheese Recipe Save Recipe
Close-up Tini's Mac and Cheese Recipe | yummygusto.com

This recipe represents comfort food at its finest. Quality ingredients and careful attention to technique elevate a simple dish into something memorable. The combination of cheeses and proper preparation method creates a truly exceptional pasta bake that continues to bring joy to tables everywhere.

Recipe Tips & Help

→ Can I prepare this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Sure! You can put it together up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, covered, and just remember to add 10-15 extra minutes when baking straight from the cold.
→ Which pasta shape works best for this mac and cheese?
Cavatappi pasta (those spiral ones) are great because they hold in the sauce, but you could swap it out for small shells or elbow macaroni.
→ Is it okay to freeze this dish?
Yes, absolutely! Keep it frozen for up to 3 months. Just move it to the fridge to thaw overnight before baking, and give it a bit more time to heat all the way through.
→ What’s the purpose of evaporated milk in the recipe?
Evaporated milk gives the sauce a richer, creamier consistency and helps everything stay smooth when baked.
→ Do I have to broil the top?
Nope, it’s optional! But broiling definitely gives you that deliciously crispy cheesy crust. Watch it closely, though—it can burn pretty fast!

Cheesy Three-Cheese Pasta

This mac and cheese combines sharp cheddar, colby jack, and mozzarella in a silky sauce, finished with a crispy melted cheese crust.

Preparation Time
15 Mins
Cooking Time
60 Mins
Total Time
75 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level: Medium

Style: American

Makes: 10 Serves

Dietary Notes: Meat-Free

What You'll Need

→ Pasta and Dairy

01 1 pound cavatappi or twisted pasta of your choice
02 2 cups rich, heavy cream
03 1 stick (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
04 1 pound mozzarella (a soft, stretchy cheese)
05 1 pound Colby Jack (a mellow, creamy option)
06 12 ounces of canned evaporated milk (about 1 can)
07 1/2 pound of aged cheddar for extra flavor

→ Spices and Extras

08 3 tablespoons regular all-purpose flour
09 A pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon)
10 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds tangy depth)
11 A sprinkle of garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
12 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky edge
13 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground

Method

01

Turn your oven on to 350°F so it’s ready to go later. Fill a big pot with salty water, set it to boil, and cook the pasta following the box’s directions. Strain it once it’s ready.

02

As you’re waiting for the water to boil, grab a box grater and shred all the cheeses into a big mixing bowl. Once done, split them into two piles of equal amounts for later use.

03

Blend the garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt together in a small bowl. You’ll need this seasoning mix in a bit.

04

Add butter to a large pan and let it melt over medium heat. Pour in half of your seasoning mix and give it a good stir. Toss in the flour, stirring nonstop until it forms a bubbly dough-like texture.

05

Slowly whisk the evaporated milk into the pan, ensuring it’s smooth. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Add the Dijon mustard and toss in the rest of the spice mix. Let this cook on low heat until it thickens up, giving it a whisk every now and then.

06

Turn the heat to low, then start adding half of the cheese mixture a handful at a time. Let each handful melt completely before adding the next.

07

Once the sauce is ready, pour in the cooked pasta. Mix it well so that every piece is covered in the creamy cheese goodness.

08

In a casserole dish, add half of the pasta mix, then sprinkle half of the remaining cheese on top. Repeat with the rest of the pasta and cheese. Let it bake for 25–30 minutes until the sides bubble. Turn on the broiler for an extra 2 minutes if you want a browned, crispy finish.

Cook's Tips

  1. This makes enough to feed around 10 people as a side dish, or 5–6 if it’s served as the main meal.
  2. Before digging in, let it cool a bit to avoid burning your mouth.

Kitchen Equipment

  • A big pot for cooking the pasta
  • A box grater for shredding cheese
  • A large pan for making the sauce
  • A casserole dish for assembling and baking
  • A whisk to combine everything smoothly

Allergen Guide

Check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your doctor.
  • Includes dairy products like milk and cheese
  • Contains gluten from both the pasta and flour

Nutrition Per Serving

Values are approximate and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 743
  • Fat Content: 47.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40.3 g
  • Protein: 35.8 g