Mac & Cheese Supreme

Ingredients

• 1 (1 lb) box penne rigate

• 3/4 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 lb gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 2 quart broiler safe oval baking dish with nonstick spray. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

2. 2

   Once water boils, add penne. Cook 8-10 minutes, then drain. In a large bowl toss together the cheddar, gruyere and parmesan. Set aside.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, melt butter in medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and slightly bubbly. In a thin stream, whisk in milk. Stir in onion powder, salt and cayenne. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in 2 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture.

4. 4

   In pasta pot, stir together the cooked penne and the cheese sauce. Pour half into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a generous cup of the cheese. Spoon remaining penne into dish and top with remaining cheese.

5. 5

   Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Increase over temperature to broil and cook 3 minutes, until top is lightly browned. Cool slightly before serving.