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Hell’s Kitchen Fiery Mac and Cheese

This dish combines the creamy richness of classic mac and cheese with bold, spicy flavors inspired by Hell’s Kitchen. Sharp cheddar, hot sauce, and smoked paprika create a fiery cheese sauce that’s baked to perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. The final dish has a gooey, cheesy center with a crispy, golden crust, balancing chaos and comfort in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz short pasta (rotini or cavatappi) sturdy holds sauce well
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for sauce and breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to thicken the cheese sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream creates a silky cheese sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, tangy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika adds smoky depth
  • 1 tsp hot sauce for fiery flavor
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs for topping
  • 1 tbsp melted butter for toasting breadcrumbs
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper spicy crunch

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant.
  3. Gradually pour in heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, hot sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, fiery sauce.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece evenly. The sauce should be rich and creamy with a hint of heat.
  6. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.
  7. Mix toasted panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and cayenne pepper, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the pasta.
  8. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes—this helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
  10. Garnish with extra hot sauce or herbs if desired, then serve hot to enjoy the gooey, spicy cheese goodness with a crispy topping.