4Add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta and boil for 8 minutes if using right away, or 7 minutes if making ahead.
5Add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta and boil for 8 minutes if using right away, or 7 minutes if making ahead.
6Add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta and boil for 8 minutes if using right away, or 7 minutes if making ahead.
7Shred 1 pound mozzarella, 1 pound Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
8Shred 1 pound mozzarella, 1 pound Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
9Shred 1 pound mozzarella, 1 pound Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
10In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
11In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
12In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
13In a pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add half the seasoning mixture.
14In a pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add half the seasoning mixture.
15In a pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add half the seasoning mixture.
16Cook for 30 seconds. Then, add 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
17Cook for 30 seconds. Then, add 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
18Cook for 30 seconds. Then, add 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
19Slowly whisk in 1/4 of the 12 ounces evaporated milk and continue whisking until smooth. Add remaining milk gradually.
20Slowly whisk in 1/4 of the 12 ounces evaporated milk and continue whisking until smooth. Add remaining milk gradually.
21Slowly whisk in 1/4 of the 12 ounces evaporated milk and continue whisking until smooth. Add remaining milk gradually.
22Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional) and mix in.
23Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional) and mix in.
24Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional) and mix in.
25Slowly add 2 cups of heavy cream, a little at a time, while whisking continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes.
26Slowly add 2 cups of heavy cream, a little at a time, while whisking continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes.
27Slowly add 2 cups of heavy cream, a little at a time, while whisking continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes.
28Reduce heat to low and add half of the shredded cheese, mixing until melted.
29Reduce heat to low and add half of the shredded cheese, mixing until melted.
30Reduce heat to low and add half of the shredded cheese, mixing until melted.
31Add the remaining shredded cheese and the rest of the seasoning, and mix until the cheese is melted.
32Add the remaining shredded cheese and the rest of the seasoning, and mix until the cheese is melted.
33Add the remaining shredded cheese and the rest of the seasoning, and mix until the cheese is melted.
34Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold to combine.
35Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold to combine.
36Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold to combine.
37Pour half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish. Top with half of the remaining cheese, then the remaining mac and cheese, and top with the remaining cheese.
38Pour half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish. Top with half of the remaining cheese, then the remaining mac and cheese, and top with the remaining cheese.
39Pour half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish. Top with half of the remaining cheese, then the remaining mac and cheese, and top with the remaining cheese.
40Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
41Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
42Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.