MOZZARELLA MAC AND CHEESE

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Mozzarella Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound (16 ounces) cavatappi pasta (or similar short-cut pasta)
1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour
6 cups (1.44 kilograms) 2% or whole milk, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded mozzarella
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Parmesan
1/2 cup store-bought pizza sauce
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

Steps:

  • Place an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the noodles and cook to al dente per the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute. Add the milk, a cup at a time, whisking or stirring with a wooden spoon after each addition until thickened. Add the mozzarella, Swiss and 1/2 cup Parmesan and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper. At this point if you want to add fun mix-ins like cut-up hot dogs, crispy bacon, peas or hot sauce, now's the time to do so. Stir in the noodles. It may seem overly saucy at this point, but once it bakes up, it'll be perfect!
  • Pour into a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Dollop all over with the pizza sauce. In a medium bowl, toss the breadcrumbs, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle all over the mac and cheese. Bake until browned and bubbly, about 25 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy!

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