California Pizza Kitchen Mac n Cheese Recipe: 1 Minute to Perfecting Your Creamy Comfort Food

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has made a name for itself not just with unique pizzas, but also with their iconic mac ‘n’ cheese—a comfort food staple beloved by kids and adults alike. The CPK version is creamy, ultra-cheesy, and famously uses cavatappi pasta for extra texture. If you’re craving that restaurant experience at home, this copycat recipe will help you get pretty close to the real deal.

California Pizza Kitchen Mac n Cheese Recipe (Copycat)

1. Ingredients:
2. 8 oz (about 2 cups) cavatappi (or elbow) pasta
3. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5. 2 cups whole milk (room temperature)
6. 1 cup heavy cream
7. 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
8. 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
9. ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10. ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
11. ½ teaspoon garlic powder
12. 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
13. ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14. Instructions:
15. Cook the cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
16. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour and stir, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (don’t let it brown).
17. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and is smooth (3-5 minutes).
18. Lower the heat. Stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
19. Season with mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
20. Fold in the cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly. Heat until bubbling, then remove from heat.
21. If you want that classic baked texture, pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden.

What makes this dish stand out isn’t just the blend of cheeses, but also the pasta’s shape and the creamy texture. As a designer, I always say that presentation is part of the experience—serve your mac ‘n’ cheese piping hot in a wide, shallow bowl, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. If you love exploring creative layouts for your kitchen presentation or thinking about how a cozy kitchen nook might make home-cooked meals even better, checking out a kitchen layout planner can really spark your culinary imagination.

Tips 1:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with cheese blends—smoked gouda or fontina can impart a new layer of flavor. And for an authentic CPK touch, stick with cavatappi pasta for that fun twisty texture which holds sauce so well.

FAQ

Q: What kind of cheese does California Pizza Kitchen use in their mac n cheese?

A: CPK typically uses a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, which create a creamy, stretchy, and flavorful sauce.

Q: Can I make the mac n cheese ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake until hot and bubbly.

Q: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

A: Cavatappi is preferred for its fun shape and sauce-grabbing ridges, though elbow macaroni also works well.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?

A: Warm up in a microwave or in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Q: Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.