FLEMING'S STEAKHOUSE CHIPOTLE CHEDDAR MACARONI AND CHEESE

Fleming's Steakhouse Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 lb pasta (cavatappi or curly)
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3⁄4 cup onion, 1/2-inch dice
1⁄2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
3 cups half-and-half
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon white pepper (ground)
3⁄4 lb smoked cheddar cheese, grated
1⁄4 lb cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder (chipotle chili powder)
3⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and pasta and cook for 8 - 9 minutes
Drain pasta and cool under cold running water. Pasta should be slightly firm. Toss drained pasta in oil and reserve.
Melt butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 4 - 5 minute.
Add flour and cook 1 - 2 minute but do not brown.
Add cream, half and half, kosher salt and white pepper.
Bring pot to a simmer. Cook until sauce is thick, about 5 - 6 minute Blend cheese into sauce and add cooked pasta.
Pour pasta and sauce into a 9 x 12" baking dish. Reserve.
In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add oil and chipotle chili powder. Heat for 30 seconds, until pan starts to smoke. Remove from stove and stir in bread crumbs.
Sprinkle bread crumbs over the pasta and bake for 15 - 20 minute until golden. Cool slightly before serving.