Creamy Stove Top Rotini and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Stove Top Rotini and Cheese—an easy, 30-minute recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Featuring tender rotini pasta coated in a luxuriously rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, this dish achieves the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. A simple roux of butter and flour creates the base for the silky sauce, which is elevated with the addition of whole milk, heavy cream, and optional paprika for a subtle kick. Prepared entirely on the stove top, this one-pot wonder is quick to make, customizable, and ideal for serving as a main dish or hearty side. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic bowl of mac and cheese or introducing a gourmet twist to a classic, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 4 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Directions
Step 1
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
Step 2
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3
In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
Step 4
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. The mixture should become smooth and slightly bubbly.
Step 5
Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 6
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7
Season the cheese sauce with 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of paprika (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 8
Add the cooked rotini pasta back to the pot and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly in the cheese sauce.
Step 9
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and well-coated.
Step 10
Serve warm and enjoy your creamy stove top rotini and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (5251.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4065.5 |
| Total Fat 246.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 149.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 742.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 11368.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 303.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 36.0g | |
| Protein 149.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 262.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3451.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 14.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1845.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories