Ingredients

  • 1 (8-oz.) package penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz.) shredded white Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (8 oz.) shredded Gruyere cheese, divided*
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half; cook, whisking constantly, 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, and next 3 ingredients until smooth.
  • Stir together pasta and cheese mixture, and pour into 4 lightly greased 8-oz. baking dishes or 1 lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish. (If using 8-oz. baking dishes, place in a jelly-roll pan for easy baking, and proceed as directed.) Top with remaining 1/2 cup Gruyere cheese.
  • Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  • *Swiss cheese may be substituted.
  • Note: To make ahead, proceed with recipe as directed through Step (Do not top with remaining Gruyere cheese.) Cover and chill up to 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Increase oven temperature to 400°. Top pasta mixture with remaining Gruyere cheese, and bake 10 more minutes or until golden.