Asparagus And Swiss Macaroni And Cheese

Serves: 4

Catharine Rutherford

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

54

Spice

53

Sweetness

41

Sourness

39

mins

Prep time (avg)

4.8

Difficulty

Ingredients:

6 tbsps

Unsalted Butter

1 cup

Panko

Directions:

1

Watch how to make this recipe

2

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

3

Move a rack to the middle of the oven

4

Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray

5

In a large pot set over high heat bring 1 gallon of water with 2 tablespoons kosher salt to a boil

6

Add the penne and cook 2 minutes less than the package directions, stirring occasionally

7

The pasta will be slightly underdone

8

Use a measuring cup or ladle to remove 1/3 cup pasta water and set aside

9

Drain the pasta into a colander

10

Return the pasta to the pot and set aside

11

Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet set over medium heat

12

Add the flour and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking constantly

13

Pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture starts to thicken like heavy cream and then becomes almost pudding-like, 2 to 3 minutes

14

Add the shredded cheese and whisk until smooth, the sauce will be very thick

15

Add the nutmeg and season with some salt and pepper

16

Combine the asparagus, pasta, reserved 1/3 cup pasta water and cheese sauce and toss well

17

Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with a layer of the cheese slices

18

Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons butter into 1-inch cubes

19

Sprinkle the panko over the cheese slices, and top with the butter cubes

20

Bake until the top is golden brown and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes

21

Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving