23Jul2008
Filed under: Recipes
Author: easycooking


INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 (500g)package uncooked tortiglioni pasta (or use 1-3/4 cups elbow macaroni)
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 small onion , finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups half-and-half cream (or use milk or 1-1/2 cups each)
- 1 1/2 cups old shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (450g)package Velveeta cheese (cut into small cubes)
- seasoning salt
- fresh ground pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
VARIATIONS (OPTIONAL)
- 2 1/2 cups cubed cooked ham
- 2 1/2 cups cubed cooked chickenor cooked turkey
- 1 medium green bell pepper , seeded and chopped
- 1jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 (10ounce)can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 cup corn niblets, drained
- 1 1/2 cups cooked green beans
DIRECTIONS
- Set oven to 350 degrees F.
- Butter a small casserole dish.
- Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente (do not overcook the pasta) drain but do not rice.
- Place in a bowl and mix with 2 tablespoons butter to prevent sticking; set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add in onion, garlic, onion powder, mustard powder and cayenne pepper; stir with a wooden spoon for about 3-4 minutes (if you are adding in the green bell pepper and/or jalapeno pepper in with onion).
- Add in flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly add cream and cook stirring constantly over medium until bubbly and thickened.
- Reduce heat and add in both cheeses; mix until melted and smooth.
- Season with season salt or white salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add in the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Add/mix in variation of choice (if using).
- Transfer to baking dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake 350 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes.
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