Mac and Cheese (1)

By kimmie12

Ingredients

• 1 box (1 pound) penne rigate
• 3/4 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 pound Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup shredded Asiago or Parmesan cheese
• 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 2 quart broiler-safe baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of water to boiling.

Once water boils, add penne. Cook 6 minutes, then drain. In a large bowl, toss together the cheddar, Gruyere and Asiago or Parmesan. Set aside.

Meanwhile, melt butter in medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and slightly bubbly. In a thin stream, whisk in milk. Stir in onion powder, salt and cayenne. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in 2 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture.

In pasta pot, stir together the cooked penne and the cheese sauce. Pour half into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a generous cup of the cheese. Spoon remaining penne into dish and top with remaining cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil and cook 3 minutes until top is lightly browned. Cool slightly before serving.