Four-Cheese Macaroni

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cavatappi pasta
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups (8 oz.) freshly shredded white Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (4 oz.) freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (4 oz.) freshly shredded fontina cheese
• 1 cup (4 oz.) freshly shredded Asiago cheese
• 1 1/2 cups soft, fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. 2. Meanwhile, melt 1/2 cup butter in a Dutch oven over low heat; whisk in flour and ground red pepper until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, 6 to 7 minutes or until milk mixture is thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat.
3. 3. Toss together Cheddar cheese and next 3 ingredients in a medium bowl; reserve 1 1/2 cups cheese mixture. Add remaining cheese mixture and hot cooked pasta to sauce, tossing to coat. Spoon into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Top with reserved 1 1/2 cups cheese mixture.
4. 4. Toss together breadcrumbs and next 3 ingredients; sprinkle over cheese mixture.
5. 5. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.