Tini’s Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Recipe

Introduction: What Pasta Does Tini Use for Mac and Cheese?

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but Tini’s recipe takes it to a whole new level of creamy, cheesy perfection. Loved for its rich flavors and velvety texture, Tini’s mac and cheese has gained a viral reputation online. What sets it apart is the use of cavatappi pasta—a corkscrew-shaped pasta that perfectly holds onto the luscious cheese sauce—and a combination of freshly shredded cheeses that elevate the taste and creaminess.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to recreate Tini’s famous mac and cheese in your own kitchen, from the key ingredients to step-by-step instructions, helpful variations, and tips for perfecting this crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every bite.

Let’s dive into the secrets behind Tini’s unbeatable mac and cheese!

Key Ingredients for Tini’s Mac and Cheese: What Pasta Does She Use?

To make Tini’s mac and cheese truly exceptional, selecting the right ingredients is key. Each element adds its unique touch to the recipe, ensuring the dish is creamy, flavorful, and irresistible.

The Cheeses – A Perfect Blend

Tini’s recipe uses a mix of cheeses that strike the perfect balance between flavor and texture:

1. Sharp Cheddar – This is the base cheese and brings a bold, tangy flavor that is essential for any good mac and cheese.
2. Mozzarella – Adds a creamy, stretchy quality to the dish, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
3. Colby Jack – A smooth, mild cheese that rounds out the flavor profile and enhances the creaminess.

Why Freshly Shredded Cheese Matters:
Instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents, Tini recommends shredding cheese fresh from blocks. Fresh cheese melts smoother and results in a creamier sauce.

Cavatappi Pasta – The Secret Star

The pasta choice is where Tini’s mac and cheese stands out. While many recipes use elbow macaroni, Tini opts for cavatappi pasta, and here’s why:

• Shape and Texture: The corkscrew shape of cavatappi holds onto the cheese sauce far better than traditional elbow pasta. Its ridges and curves capture the sauce, ensuring each bite is loaded with flavor.
• Durability: Cavatappi is sturdier than other pasta shapes, holding up well during baking without becoming mushy.

If you can’t find cavatappi, other sturdy pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni can work, but for the ultimate experience, stick with the corkscrews!

The Secret Touches – Cream and Seasoning

Tini’s mac and cheese recipe includes a few extra ingredients that take it over the top:

• Evaporated Milk and Heavy Cream: These two ingredients make the sauce incredibly rich and creamy. Evaporated milk adds a unique depth of flavor that regular milk can’t replicate.
• Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard gives the dish a subtle tang, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
• Seasonings: A dash of garlic powder, paprika, and salt enhances the flavors without overpowering the cheese.

Summary of Key Ingredients: What Pasta Does Tini Use for Mac and Cheese?

Here’s a quick list of the must-have ingredients for Tini’s mac and cheese:

1. Cavatappi pasta (or an alternative sturdy shape)
2. Freshly shredded cheeses: sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack
3. Evaporated milk and heavy cream
4. Dijon mustard
5. Garlic powder, paprika, and salt

With the right ingredients in hand, you’re set to create a mac and cheese that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible!

Step-by-Step Recipe: What Pasta Does Tini Use for Mac and Cheese?

Recreating Tini’s mac and cheese requires a few simple steps, but attention to detail is key to achieving its signature creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Follow this guide closely for the best results.

Step 1 – Preparing the Perfect Roux for Tini’s Mac and Cheese

The foundation of any great mac and cheese is the roux, which thickens the cheese sauce and ensures it’s smooth and velvety.

1. Melt the Butter – In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it brown.
2. Add Flour – Once the butter has melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously to form a smooth paste (the roux) and cook for about 2 minutes. This step removes the raw flour taste.
3. Slowly Add Milk and Cream – Gradually whisk in 1 cup of evaporated milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Adding it slowly prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture.
4. Season the Sauce – Stir in a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for about 3–5 minutes.

Tip: Keep stirring to avoid burning the roux or creating clumps. The result should be a smooth, creamy base for the cheese sauce.

Step 2 – Cooking the Pasta: What Pasta Does Tini Use for Mac and Cheese?

Tini’s choice of pasta, cavatappi, makes all the difference in this recipe. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Boil Water – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Cavatappi – Add 12 ounces of cavatappi pasta and cook it 1–2 minutes less than the package directions (usually 7–8 minutes). The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so you want it slightly firm (al dente).
3. Drain and Toss – Drain the pasta and toss it with a tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.

Why Cavatappi? Its corkscrew shape and ridges hold onto the sauce better than other pasta types, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.

Step 3 – Making the Cheese Sauce for Tini’s Mac and Cheese

Now comes the fun part—turning your roux into a cheesy, creamy masterpiece.

1. Lower the Heat – Reduce the heat to low to avoid burning the cheese.
2. Add the Cheese Gradually – Slowly whisk in 2 cups of sharp cheddar, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese. Add a handful at a time, stirring until it’s fully melted before adding more.
3. Check the Consistency – Once all the cheese is melted, the sauce should be thick, smooth, and creamy. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it.

Pro Tip: Always shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.

Step 4 – Combining Everything: What Pasta Does Tini Use for Mac and Cheese?

With your pasta and cheese sauce ready, it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Mix Pasta and Sauce – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cavatappi with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta.
2. Transfer to a Baking Dish – Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
3. Add a Cheese Topping – Sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar on top for a golden, cheesy crust.

Step 5 – Baking to Perfection: What Pasta Does Tini Use for Mac and Cheese?

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Mac and Cheese – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
3. Rest and Serve – Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to settle and ensures every bite is perfectly creamy.

Optional: For extra crunch, add a breadcrumb topping before baking by mixing 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling it on top.

By following these steps, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful mac and cheese that rivals Tini’s viral recipe. Every bite is cheesy, smooth, and comforting!

Why Cavatappi is the Best Choice for Mac and Cheese

The pasta you choose can make or break a mac and cheese recipe. Tini’s use of cavatappi pasta is not just a creative choice—it’s a functional one. Here’s why this corkscrew-shaped pasta is the perfect fit for a creamy, cheese-loaded dish.

Texture and Shape for Holding Cheese

Cavatappi pasta stands out due to its unique spiral shape and ridges, which are ideal for holding onto the cheese sauce. Unlike smoother pasta shapes, cavatappi has:

• Ridges that trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Hollow center that allows the cheese sauce to seep inside, making it rich and creamy throughout.
• Curved corkscrew design that maximizes surface area for the sauce to cling to.

This pasta delivers a superior eating experience compared to traditional elbow macaroni, as it doesn’t let the cheese sauce slide off.

Better Than Elbows or Penne?

While elbow macaroni is the go-to for many mac and cheese recipes, cavatappi outshines it in several ways:

1. More Sauce Retention – Elbow macaroni has a smooth texture, which doesn’t hold onto the sauce as effectively as cavatappi.
2. Durability During Baking – Cavatappi is thicker and sturdier, so it doesn’t become mushy when baked. Penne, while also sturdy, lacks the ridges and spiral shape to trap cheese sauce as effectively.
3. Better Texture – The spiral shape creates a more satisfying bite, adding a subtle chewiness to the dish.

If you’re serious about taking your mac and cheese to the next level, cavatappi is hands down the best pasta to use.

Where to Buy Cavatappi Pasta

Cavatappi may not be as common as elbow macaroni, but it’s still widely available in most grocery stores. Here’s where to find it:

1. Local Grocery Stores – Look for cavatappi in the pasta aisle under brands like Barilla, De Cecco, or store brands.
2. Specialty Food Stores – If you prefer gourmet pasta, stores like Whole Foods often carry artisanal versions of cavatappi.
3. Online Retailers – Websites like Amazon or Walmart offer bulk options, which are great for frequent mac and cheese makers.

Pro Tip: When buying cavatappi, opt for bronze-cut pasta, which has a slightly rough texture. This helps the pasta hold onto even more sauce.

Alternatives to Cavatappi

If you can’t find cavatappi, don’t worry! Here are some suitable alternatives that still work well with Tini’s mac and cheese recipe:

• Fusilli – Another spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully.
• Rigatoni – Large, tube-shaped pasta that captures sauce inside its hollow center.
• Shells (Conchiglie) – Their cup-like shape is excellent for trapping cheese sauce.

While these substitutes are good options, cavatappi remains the gold standard for its combination of shape, texture, and durability.

By using cavatappi pasta, Tini ensures that every bite of her mac and cheese is perfectly coated in rich, cheesy sauce. If you’re looking to replicate her viral recipe, this pasta choice is non-negotiable!

Tips and Variations for Tini’s Mac and Cheese

Tini’s mac and cheese recipe is already a showstopper, but there are several ways to customize it to suit different tastes, dietary needs, and occasions. Whether you want to add protein, spice, or make it more diet-friendly, here are the best tips and variations to elevate this dish even further.

Add Protein for a Heartier Dish

Adding protein to your mac and cheese transforms it into a more filling meal. Here are some popular options:

1. Bacon – Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce. Simply fry the bacon, crumble it, and mix it into the pasta before baking.
2. Grilled Chicken – Add cooked, diced chicken breast for a boost of lean protein. Season it with garlic and paprika for extra flavor.
3. Lobster or Shrimp – For a luxurious twist, mix in cooked lobster meat or shrimp. This works especially well for special occasions like holidays or dinner parties.
4. Ground Beef – Browned ground beef or turkey adds a savory, meaty element that turns this into a mac and cheese casserole.

Pro Tip: Add your proteins after the cheese sauce is mixed with the pasta to maintain their texture and flavor.

Spice It Up – For Those Who Like Heat

If you enjoy a bit of heat, there are several ways to add spice to Tini’s mac and cheese:

1. Fresh Jalapeños – Dice fresh jalapeños and stir them into the pasta mixture before baking. For an extra kick, leave the seeds in.
2. Red Pepper Flakes – Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese topping before baking for subtle heat.
3. Hot Sauce – Mix a splash of your favorite hot sauce (like sriracha or Tabasco) into the cheese sauce while it’s cooking for a tangy, spicy twist.
4. Cajun Seasoning – Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the roux to give the dish a bold, Southern-inspired flavor.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options

Tini’s recipe can easily be adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

Gluten-Free Version:

• Use gluten-free pasta (brands like Barilla or Jovial offer great options).
• Replace all-purpose flour in the roux with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.

Vegan Version:

• Pasta: Use any vegan-friendly pasta.
• Cheese Sauce: Replace dairy-based ingredients with these alternatives:
  • Vegan Butter – Substitute traditional butter with plant-based butter.
  • Non-Dairy Milk and Cream – Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for creaminess.
  • Vegan Cheese – Brands like Violife or Daiya offer vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
  • Nutritional Yeast: Add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” flavor without dairy.

Pro Tip: For vegan mac and cheese, a dash of smoked paprika can add depth to mimic the richness of traditional cheese.

Breadcrumb Topping – Add Crunch

For a delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, add a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking. Here’s how:

1. Combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
2. Mix in a pinch of garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative).
3. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese before baking.

The result is a golden, crispy layer that adds texture and elevates the dish’s presentation.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Tini’s mac and cheese is just as delicious the next day if stored and reheated properly:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

By following these tips and variations, you can customize Tini’s mac and cheese to match your preferences, whether you want to add protein, spice it up, or make it gluten-free or vegan. No matter how you tweak it, this recipe remains a creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Frequently Asked Questions About What Pasta Tini Uses for Mac and Cheese

What kind of pasta does Tini use?

Tini uses cavatappi pasta for her mac and cheese. The corkscrew shape and ridges of cavatappi are perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Its sturdiness also makes it ideal for baking, as it retains its shape and texture.

What type of pasta is used in mac and cheese?

Traditionally, elbow macaroni is the most common pasta used in mac and cheese due to its small, tubular shape that holds sauce well. However, other options like cavatappi, shells, rigatoni, or fusilli are also excellent choices because they provide more surface area for the cheese sauce to cling to.

What cheese does Tini use in her mac and cheese?

Tini’s recipe features a blend of three cheeses:

1. Sharp Cheddar – For a bold, tangy flavor.
2. Mozzarella – For its creamy, stretchy texture.
3. Colby Jack – To round out the flavor and enhance creaminess.

This combination ensures a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s perfectly balanced.

Is penne or rigatoni better for mac and cheese?

Both penne and rigatoni can work for mac and cheese, but they serve slightly different purposes:

• Rigatoni is better because its larger tubes and ridges hold more cheese sauce, making every bite creamier.
• Penne is a solid alternative but lacks the ridges and size of rigatoni, which means it doesn’t retain as much sauce.

For the ultimate mac and cheese experience, cavatappi or rigatoni are superior choices.

Can I make Tini’s mac and cheese without baking it?

Yes, you can make a stovetop version of Tini’s mac and cheese by skipping the baking step. Simply combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, stir until well-coated, and serve immediately. While baking adds a crispy cheese topping, the stovetop version is quicker and just as creamy.

How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?

To keep mac and cheese creamy:

1. Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
2. Include evaporated milk or heavy cream for a rich, silky sauce.
3. Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

What Pasta Does Tini Use for Her Mac and Cheese? Conclusion

Tini’s mac and cheese recipe has redefined comfort food with its perfect combination of creamy cheese sauce, rich flavors, and the unique use of cavatappi pasta. By blending sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, and incorporating secret touches like evaporated milk and Dijon mustard, this recipe achieves a velvety texture and a well-balanced, indulgent flavor profile.

The choice of cavatappi pasta ensures every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness, as its spiral shape and ridges hold onto the sauce better than traditional macaroni. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the star of the table, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any time you need a little extra comfort.

With tips for adding proteins, spicing things up, or even making it gluten-free or vegan, Tini’s mac and cheese is versatile and easy to adapt. From the stovetop version to the baked masterpiece with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy perfection every time.

Try this viral recipe for yourself, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite among food lovers. Tini’s mac and cheese isn’t just a dish—it’s a comforting experience that brings people together, one delicious bite at a time.