Ingredients
– 16 oz package rigatoni pasta (any pasta shape can be used)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
– ½ teaspoon sea salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 2 teaspoons mustard powder
– 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or whole milk or preferred plant-based milk)
– 1 ½ cups Gouda cheese, shredded or grated
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or mild cheddar)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
1-Preheat oven to 400°F.
2-Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions (approx. 10-13 minutes for rigatoni), adding 1 tablespoon olive oil to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.
3-In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add flour, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and cajun seasoning. Whisk until combined and paste-like.
4-Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then reduce heat to medium-low.
5-Add the Gouda and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth (approx. 4-5 minutes).
6-Stir the cooked rigatoni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
7-In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the smoked paprika.
8-Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the skillet.
9-Bake on the center rack for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden brown, the sides are bubbly, and the center is set.
10-Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧀 Shred cheese yourself for best melting; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents.
🍽️ Cook pasta al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
🌾 For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, breadcrumbs, and flour substitutes like arrowroot or tapioca flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-inspired, American
- Diet: Contains Dairy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 206
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 523mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 29mg