Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
  • 1 medium onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 1 red pepper, seeded, cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chile powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk, cold
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
  • 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound mini rigatoni, cooked al dente according to package directions
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, minced, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, drained, minced, for garnish

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Add the butter, corn, onions, red peppers, garlic and 1 teaspoon of salt to a medium saucepot set over medium-high heat.
  • Saute until the onions are translucent, 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Add the cumin, chile powder, cayenne pepper and flour and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, to make a roux, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Pour in the cold milk in a steady stream, stirring vigorously until the mixture is smooth.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until starting to thicken, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack.
  • Cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy, 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the scallions, pepper and rigatoni and mix well to combine.
  • Pour the into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the panko evenly over the top and cover with foil.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
  • Remove to a cooling rack and let rest for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Garnish with the cotija, jalapeno and cilantro.
  • Serve immediately.