Bacon, Arugula and Tomato Macaroni & Cheese     1 thumbs up

 

Ingredients

8 slices uncooked Applewood smoked bacon, chopped

1 large shallot, finely chopped (1/4 cup)

3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

8 ounces baby arugula

16 ounces Cavatappi pasta

1/4 cup Tillamook® Unsalted Butter, plus extra for buttering dish.

1/4 cup flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Tillamook® Swiss Cheese, divided

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Tillamook® Vintage White Medium Cheddar Cheese,divided

2 large heirloom or vine ripened tomatoes, chopped ( 1½ cups)

 

 

Instructions

Place rack in center of oven. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 9- x 13- inch baking dish.

In a large heavy skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet. In same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and cook shallots and garlic, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Gradually add arugula and cook, stirring, just until wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl. Set aside.

In a large pot bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta. Cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally. Pasta is done when it is slightly chewy to the bite or al dente. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Prepare sauce while pasta is cooking. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 3 minutes. Gradually add milk and cream; bring just to a boil, continuing to whisk. Add salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until sauce thickens slightly, 4-5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and add 1½ cups each of Swiss Cheese and Vintage White Medium Cheddar. Stir until cheese is melted and smooth.

Gently fold in pasta, arugula mixture and half of the bacon. Spread in prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and top begins to brown. Sprinkle chopped tomatoes evenly over the top and bake 5 minutes more. Garnish with reserved bacon.

Serves 8- 10