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Smoked Mac and Cheese Rigatoni

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  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Description

Smoked Mac and Cheese Rigatoni is the ultimate comfort food with a smoky twist. This creamy pasta dish combines sharp cheddar and smoky gouda in a luscious cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner or serving it at a gathering, this indulgent and rich recipe is sure to impress. Perfectly creamy with a crunchy topping, it’s an irresistible dish everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

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

For the Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
    In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually pour in whole milk, whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  3. Add the Cheese and Spices:
    Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce, stirring gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Prepare the Topping:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Optionally, add extra garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs for more flavor.
  6. Assemble and Bake:
    Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the panko topping over the top and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  7. Serve:
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair with a salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra veggies.
  • Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Different Pasta Shapes: Swap rigatoni for other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or elbow macaroni.
  • Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sophiasdishes.com/smoked-mac-and-cheese-rigatoni/