Feed the Family Baked Mac and Cheese with Poblanos Tonight
Some nights you just want a big bowl of something comforting and tasty, that everyone will want to eat. That's a mac 'n cheese night.
But that doesn't mean it has to be boring! Here, your favorite shells and cheese get just a couple ingredient upgrades that are sure to appeal. Extra sharp Cheddar (get the good stuff) makes a big difference, but the real flavor comes from a couple Tex-Mex additions: poblano peppers (the bigger, cone-shaped, green ones) are mild, but with a lot more flavor than a bell pepper. Then crumbled tortilla chips add just the right kind of satisfying crunch!
Related: Easy Pasta Dinner Recipes
Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Ingredients
Cooking spray
2
poblano peppers (about 8 ounces)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1
(16-ounce) package short pasta, such as shells or penne
1/4 c.
(1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1
shallot, chopped
1
garlic clove, chopped
1/4 c.
all-purpose flour
3 c.
half-and-half
2 tbsp.
Dijon mustard
16 oz.
extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (about 4 cups), divided
1 1/2 c.
crushed tortilla chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9- by 13-inch baking dish. Grill poblanos over high heat or cook directly on the flame of a gas burner, turning occasionally, until charred on all sides, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit 5 minutes. When cool enough to handle, use paper towels or the back of a knife to remove the charred skins. Discard stems and seeds and chop flesh.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta two minutes less than the al dente time. Drain.
Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are tender, 2 to 4 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Slowly whisk in half- and-half. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in mustard and 3 cups cheese, 1 handful at a time. Add poblanos and pasta and stir to combine.
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with chips and remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake until top is golden brown, 17 to 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
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