Ricotta Mac and Cheese with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs

Introduction

Get ready to elevate your classic mac and cheese with this luxurious Ricotta Mac and Cheese with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs recipe. This dish combines the creaminess of ricotta, the sharpness of cheddar, and the richness of monterey jack, all topped with crispy garlic butter breadcrumbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the garlic butter breadcrumbs:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or pressed
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the mac and cheese:

• 1 pound of your favorite short-cut pasta (cavatappi recommended)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or pressed
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk ricotta
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Small pinch ground nutmeg
• Small pinch cayenne pepper
• Small pinch smoked paprika
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 4 ounces monterey jack cheese, freshly grated

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the butter. Once melted, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
3. Add the breadcrumbs and stir to combine with the garlic butter.
4. Toast the breadcrumbs, stirring almost constantly, until they’re golden brown.
5. Transfer immediately to a bowl to cool. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Cook pasta about 2 minutes shy of al dente (it will continue to cook in the sauce).
3. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water before you drain the pasta.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter and add the garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until garlic is fragrant.
2. Adjust heat to low, add the pasta and reserved pasta water, and stir to combine.
3. Add the ricotta and begin to stir to combine.
4. Add the salt, dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne, smoked paprika, and pepper, and stir to combine.
5. Add the milk and heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce starts to come together.
6. Gradually add the cheddar and monterey jack, stirring between each addition, until the sauce coats the pasta.
7. Add another splash of milk, cream, or pasta water if it needs additional moisture.
8. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Sprinkle the garlic butter breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese.
2. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving
• Servings: 6 servings

Conclusion

This Ricotta Mac and Cheese with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs is sure to become a favorite in your household. The creamy, cheesy pasta combined with the crunch of the garlic butter breadcrumbs creates a delightful texture and flavor that is simply irresistible. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends, and savor every delicious bite!

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