Introducing the delectable Rocky Mountain 3 Cheese Rotini, a tantalizing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! This recipe, curated with love from lovewithrecipes.com, brings together the savory goodness of three cheeses with the comforting allure of pasta, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. With a total preparation time of just 1 hour and 20 minutes, including 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of cooking time, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings without keeping you tied up in the kitchen for too long.
🍽️ Let’s dive into the culinary adventure of crafting this mouthwatering Rocky Mountain 3 Cheese Rotini!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 cups | Rotini pasta |
| 1/4 cup | Penne pasta |
| 1/4 cup | Butter |
| 4 tablespoons | Margarine |
| 1/4 – 1/2 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 2 cups | 2% low-fat milk |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 cups | Medium cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 2 cups | Mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| 1 tablespoon | Dijon mustard |
| 1/2 cup | Green onion, chopped |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 3/4 cup | Bread crumbs |
| – | Red pepper flakes, to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 696.1
- Fat: 31.7g
- Saturated Fat: 18.8g
- Cholesterol: 93.4mg
- Sodium: 789.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3.4g
- Sugar: 10.3g
- Protein: 31.9g
Servings:
- Serves: 8
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pasta:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rotini and penne pasta until tender but still firm to the bite.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta well and return it to the pot. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour, chili peppers, and minced garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
-
Combine Cheese and Flavorings:
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded medium cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and chopped green onions until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 2.5-liter shallow baking dish.
- Stir the cheese sauce into the cooked pasta until evenly coated, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
-
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, toss together the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until well combined.
-
Final Touches:
- Sprinkle the prepared bread crumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta in the baking dish.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked to perfection, remove the Rocky Mountain 3 Cheese Rotini from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions or red pepper flakes if desired, and enjoy the cheesy goodness with your loved ones!
Indulge in the irresistible flavors and comforting textures of this Rocky Mountain 3 Cheese Rotini recipe, perfect for cozy weeknights or special gatherings with friends and family. With its creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy bread crumb topping, this dish is sure to leave everyone coming back for seconds! So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour!
