Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

with Spinach, Apple & Walnut Salad

20 MIN

4 Servings

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From the Test Kitchen

Quirky, corkscrew-shaped cavatappi pasta is the perfect match for mac and cheese. Its curlicue shape easily grabs ahold of our rich cheddar cheese sauce, which we’re making with a signature spice blend that includes ground mustard, garlic powder and a pinch of nutmeg. We’re garnishing it all with toasted breadcrumbs and even more cheese—nutty Parmesan. A gourmet spinach, apple and walnut salad tossed with a creamy lemon dressing rounds out this family favorite.

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Nutrition

PER SERVING
Calories

700 Cals (est.)

fresh

ingredients

time-saving

tips & techniques

step-by-step

instructions

Cook Along

1 Prepare the ingredients:

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. Grate the cheddar cheese. Quarter and deseed the lemon. Core the apple and cut into matchsticks; toss with the juice of 1 lemon wedge to prevent browning. Roughly chop the walnuts.

2 Cook the pasta:

Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook 7 to 9 minutes, or until just shy of al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Reserving 1¼ cups of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly. Set aside in a warm place.

3 Toast the breadcrumbs:

While the pasta cooks, in a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the breadcrumbs; season with salt and pepper. Toast, stirring occasionally, 2 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate. Wipe out the pot.

4 Make the sauce & finish the pasta:

While the pasta continues to cook, in the pot used to toast the breadcrumbs, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium until hot. Add the spice blend and cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until toasted and fragrant. Slowly whisk in the milk and reserved pasta cooking water; heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, whisking frequently, 4 to 6 minutes, or until thickened. Add the cheddar cheese; season with salt and pepper. Cook, whisking occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until thoroughly combined and smooth. Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked pasta until thoroughly coated; season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish.

5 Make the dressing:

While the sauce simmers, in a small bowl, combine the crème fraîche and the juice of the remaining lemon wedges; season with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly whisk in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until well combined.

6 Make the salad & plate your dish:

Just before serving, in a large bowl, combine the spinach, apple and walnuts; season with salt and pepper. Add enough of the dressing to coat the salad (you may have extra dressing). Toss to mix and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish the finished pasta with the Parmesan cheese and toasted breadcrumbs. Serve with the salad on the side. Enjoy!