Pigtails and Cheese (Trottole Pasta and Cheese)

User profile image
Shea Goldstein (@dixiechikcooks)

Pigtails and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy macaroni and cheese with hickory-smoked pulled pork. Inspired by a football game day, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining. The trottole pasta, resembling little pigtails, adds a fun and fitting touch to the dish. With Curly’s®...

Pigtails and Cheese (Trottole Pasta and Cheese) recipe
Prep Time
15min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
45min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)
  • Curly’s® Smoked Pulled Pork with BBQ sauce
    Curly’s® Smoked Pulled Pork with BBQ sauce
    16oz
  • fusilli or trottole pasta
    fusilli or trottole pasta
    16oz
  • unsalted butter
    unsalted butter
    2tbsp
  • flour
    flour
    2tbsp
  • whole milk
    whole milk
    2cups
  • sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
    4cups
  • mild cheddar cheese, shredded
    mild cheddar cheese, shredded
    1cup
  • scallions
    scallions
    1/2cup
  • Salt and pepper
    Salt and pepper

How to make Pigtails and Cheese (Trottole Pasta and Cheese)

  1. Step 1

    Cook the pasta according to the package directions.

  2. Step 2

    In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat.

  3. Step 3

    Add the flour to the melted butter, whisk to combine, and then add the milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is almost at a slow boil.

  4. Step 4

    Add the cheese to the mixture and stir until it is fully incorporated and melted. Cover and set aside.

  5. Step 5

    Heat the BBQ pork in the microwave according to the package directions.

  6. Step 6

    Add the pork to the macaroni and cheese, a few spoonfuls at a time, stirring well to combine. Adjust the amount of pork to your preference.

  7. Step 7

    Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with scallions, and serve.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

967.5kcal (48.38%)

Protein

49.5g (99%)

Carbs

66.8g (24.27%)

Sugars

6.3g (12.5%)

Healthy Fat

18.6g

Unhealthy Fat

31.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Shredding your own cheese will yield a smoother cheese sauce. Prepackaged shredded cheese contains preservatives that can make the sauce gritty.

  2. You can substitute trottole pasta with fusilli if trottole is unavailable.

  3. Adjust the amount of BBQ pork based on your preference for balance between the cheese and pork flavors.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

    Yes, you can substitute trottole with fusilli or any other pasta that holds sauce well.

  2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

    While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own cheese will result in a smoother sauce.

  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese and BBQ pork separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

  4. What other toppings can I add?

    You can add crispy bacon bits, breadcrumbs, or even a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

  5. Is this dish spicy?

    No, this dish is not spicy. However, you can use Curly’s® Bold & Spicy Smoked Pulled Pork for a spicier version.

Loading reviews...

dixiechikcooks's profile picture
instagram

Shea Goldstein

(@dixiechikcooks)

A Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia