Ingredients

  • 1 pound orecchiette pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups milk, at room temperature
  • 1/4 pound Asiago cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 pound fontina cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 pound Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • Salt
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley leaves
  • 2 cups fresh bread crumbs, toasted*
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Method

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat.
  • Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  • While the pasta is cooking, in a saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
  • Slowly add the milk and whisk well to get rid of all the lumps.
  • Bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in cheeses and season with white pepper and salt, to taste.
  • Drain the pasta from the water and return it back to the pot.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the parsley, bread crumbs, and Parmesan.
  • Mix until the bread crumbs are completely coated with butter mixture.
  • Serve the mac and cheese in small bowls topped with the garlic bread crumbs.