Oh You Fancy, Huh? Let’s Talk TRUFFLE Mac & Cheese! 😍
Okay listen—if you’re a mac & cheese lover with a soft spot for all things bougie, this Truffle Mac & Cheese with Cascatelli is about to become your go-to comfort dish. I mean, buttery garlic, three dreamy cheeses, silky cream, and truffle oil AND truffle shavings?! We’re not just leveling up… we’re jumping into luxury mode!
I found this Cascatelli pasta at Whole Foods and nearly squealed. (Okay, I did squeal.) It’s this super cool waterfall-shaped pasta that catches every bit of that rich, creamy sauce—it’s like the pasta was designed just for this dish.
Let’s break it all down and get you that restaurant-level mac & cheese in your kitchen, minus the $30 price tag. 😎
🍄 Why You’ll Love This Truffle Mac & Cheese
- Ultra-creamy and full of cheesy goodness
- Packed with bold flavor from truffle oil and fresh truffle
- Uses Cascatelli, the pasta of your dreams (no lie!)
- Comes together in under 30 minutes
- Makes any night feel like a special occasion
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple and indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping Truffle Mac & Cheese:
Pasta:
- 1 box of Cascatelli pasta (or any short pasta you love!)
- Salt (for boiling water)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Sauce Base:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- Seasonings: salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
Cheese Galore:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan
Truffle Magic:
- 1 tbsp truffle oil
- Fresh truffle shavings (optional but so worth it)
Optional Garnish:
- More parm on top
- Extra truffle shavings
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives
👩🍳 How to Make Truffle Mac & Cheese with Cascatelli
1. Cook Your Pasta Like a Pro
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Cascatelli until just al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out 1 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for the sauce.
2. Build the Dreamy Sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in that minced garlic and sauté until it’s fragrant and irresistible (about 1 minute). Then pour in the heavy cream and stir it all together.
Season the cream with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Give it a minute to gently simmer.
3. Say Cheese!
Once your cream is warm and seasoned, add in your cheeses: cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Stir, whisk, and watch the magic happen as it transforms into a smooth, silky cheese sauce.
Now here’s the secret sauce (literally): stir in 1 tbsp of truffle oil and your truffle shavings. That aroma? UNREAL.
4. Bring It All Together
Add your cooked Cascatelli straight into the pan and toss everything together. Drizzle in some reserved pasta water—just a splash or two—to loosen up the sauce and help it coat every twist and turn of that pasta.
5. Serve & Stun
Plate it up, shower it with more parm and fresh truffle, and boom—you’re the chef now. 🧑🍳✨
🔥 Tips for Truffle Mac & Cheese Perfection
- Don’t overdo the truffle oil—a little goes a long way! Start with 1 tbsp and adjust to your liking.
- Can’t find Cascatelli? Try cavatappi, fusilli, or campanelle for similar sauce-catching power.
- Want a crunchy topping? Transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs + parm, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
🧠 Fun Fact: What is Cascatelli?
Cascatelli was created by Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful podcast, and it was designed for:
- Sauceability: holds sauce like a champ
- Forkability: easy to stab and scoop
- Toothsinkability: super satisfying bite
It’s not just a pasta shape—it’s a whole experience!
🌟 Serving Ideas
This Truffle Mac & Cheese is rich and indulgent on its own, but here are some ways to round it out:
- Serve with a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Pair with roasted mushrooms or grilled asparagus
- Add a protein like seared scallops or crispy prosciutto if you’re feelin’ fancy
❤️ Why We’re Obsessed
Every bite of this dish is creamy, savory, and packed with that earthy truffle flavor we all crave. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels luxurious without being fussy.
Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating something special, or just want a next-level dinner on a Tuesday night—this Truffle Mac & Cheese with Cascatelli is IT.
📝 Recipe Card
Decadent Truffle Mac & Cheese with Cascatelli
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total: 30 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 box Cascatelli pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp truffle oil
- Fresh truffle shavings (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Melt butter in a pan. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic/onion powder.
- Add cheeses and whisk until smooth. Stir in truffle oil and shavings.
- Toss in cooked pasta, add a splash of pasta water, and mix well.
- Top with more parmesan and truffle. Serve hot!
✨ Final Thoughts
You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant (or drain your bank account) to enjoy rich, gourmet-style truffle mac & cheese. With just a few high-quality ingredients and the right pasta—hello, Cascatelli!—you’ve got yourself a next-level dish that’s totally unforgettable.
So go ahead… treat yourself. You deserve it. 💁♀️