Spicy Sharp Cheddar Pasta Bake

By KeyIngredient

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups cavatappi, uncooked
• 1 cup KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 cup KRAFT Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA
• 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided
• 1 canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

Details

Servings 6
Preparation time 25mins
Cooking time 45mins

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F.

Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.

Meanwhile, combine cheeses; set aside. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in large saucepan on low heat. Add peppers and garlic; cook 30 sec. Add flour; cook and stir 2 min. or until hot and bubbly. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly; simmer on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add 1-1/2 cups cheese mixture; stir until melted.

Drain pasta. Add to cheese sauce; mix well. Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; top with remaining cheese mixture. Melt remaining butter in small skillet on medium heat. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir 1 to 2 min. or until lightly toasted. Sprinkle over cheese mixture.

Bake 20 min. or until heated through.