Fleming's Steakhouse Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta (cavatappi or curly)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup onion, 1/2-inch dice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper (ground)
• 3/4 lb smoked cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/4 lb cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder (chipotle chili powder)
• 3/4 cup panko

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and pasta and cook for 8 - 9 minutes

2. 2

   Drain pasta and cool under cold running water. Pasta should be slightly firm. Toss drained pasta in oil and reserve.

3. 3

   Melt butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 4 - 5 minute.

4. 4

   Add flour and cook 1 - 2 minute but do not brown.

5. 5

   Add cream, half and half, kosher salt and white pepper.

6. 6

   Bring pot to a simmer. Cook until sauce is thick, about 5 - 6 minute Blend cheese into sauce and add cooked pasta.

7. 7

   Pour pasta and sauce into a 9 x 12" baking dish. Reserve.

8. 8

   In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add oil and chipotle chili powder. Heat for 30 seconds, until pan starts to smoke. Remove from stove and stir in bread crumbs.

9. 9

   Sprinkle bread crumbs over the pasta and bake for 15 - 20 minute until golden. Cool slightly before serving.