This Smoked Mac and Cheese Rigatoni brings a rich, creamy twist to the traditional mac and cheese. With sharp cheddar and smoky gouda melted together in a luscious sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner at home or serving it as a crowd-pleasing side, this dish is sure to impress.

Smoked Mac and Cheese Rigatoni

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This version of mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, with the smokiness from gouda and the richness of sharp cheddar taking it to the next level. The crispy panko topping provides the perfect contrast to the creamy sauce, giving the dish a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s indulgent yet comforting and makes a delicious meal on its own or paired with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound rigatoni pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Cheese and Spices:
Reduce heat to low and add the cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained rigatoni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Prepare the Topping:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Optionally, you can add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Assemble the Dish:
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a large baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture over the top, ensuring even coverage. You can also add more grated Parmesan on top of the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy crust.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
Serve portions of the Smoked Mac and Cheese Rigatoni in bowls or on plates, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Add Sausage: For added flavor, mix in cooked sausage. The smoky meat pairs wonderfully with the gouda cheese.
Vegetables: Sauté vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli, and stir them into the pasta mixture for a heartier meal.
Different Pasta Shapes: You can substitute rigatoni with other pasta shapes like penne or shells, depending on what you have on hand.
Make it Spicier: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as fontina, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack to create your ideal flavor combination.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day as directed.

2. Can I make this recipe without the panko topping?

Yes! If you prefer a more traditional mac and cheese, you can skip the panko topping and enjoy the creamy dish as is.

3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and helps prevent the sauce from being too greasy.

4. Can I use milk alternatives?

Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for whole milk, though the texture may be slightly different.

5. Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. The topping may not be as crispy when reheated, but the flavor will still be great.

6. How do I make the topping even crispier?

For an extra-crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

7. Can I add different herbs to the cheese sauce?

Absolutely! You can add herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary to the cheese sauce for additional flavor.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish gluten-free.

9. How can I make the sauce creamier?

You can make the sauce richer by adding a little heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture.

10. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape, such as penne, elbow macaroni, or shells, instead of rigatoni.

Conclusion

Smoked Mac and Cheese Rigatoni is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. With its rich cheeses, smoky flavor, and crispy topping, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing side. Easy to make and completely customizable, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal!