Description
Indulge in this ultimate comfort dish featuring perfectly al dente cavatappi pasta smothered in a velvety, rich sharp cheddar sauce. By utilizing premium smoked paprika and crispy vegetarian bacon strips, this recipe achieves a deep, savory complexity that rivals traditional versions. It is a hearty, meat-free meal that is perfect for families and gatherings, ensuring every bite is packed with bold flavor and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
1 lb Cavatappi pasta
6 strips Vegetarian bacon
4 cups Sharp cheddar, freshly grated
3 cups Whole milk, room temperature
1/4 cup Unsalted butter
1/4 cup All-purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp Smoked paprika
1 tbsp Nutritional yeast (optional for extra depth)
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente.
Drain the pasta completely while reserving one cup of the starchy cooking water.
Fry the vegetarian bacon strips in a skillet until crispy and set aside for topping.
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour constantly for two minutes to cook out the raw starch.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Stir in the grated cheddar, smoked paprika, and nutritional yeast until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is fully coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Top with the crumbled vegetarian bacon before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded to ensure the sauce stays smooth and melts evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg