Four Cheese Mini Penne Bake

Ingredients

• 8 ounces mini penne
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup gruyere, shredded
• 1/2 cup havarti cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 dash teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup soft fine breadcrumb
• 1 dash paprika

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse; set aside.

3. 3

   Grease a 2-quart casserole.

4. 4

   In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring, until bubbly.

5. 5

   Gradually stir in the milk and continue cooking, stirring, until thickened.

6. 6

   Add the Cheddar, Gruyere, Havarti cheeses, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking, stirring, until cheeses have melted.

7. 7

   Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

8. 8

   Stir the drained pasta and cheese mixture together.

9. 9

   Spoon pasta and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole.

10. 10

    Put bread crumbs in a small bowl with the remaining Parmesan cheese and paprika. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and drizzle over the bread crumb mixture; toss to blend.

11. 11

    Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the pasta.

12. 12

    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly.

13. 13

    Increase temperature to 400° and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes longer, until topping is browned.