WALNUT CRUSTED BRIE MAC AND CHEESE

Walnut Crusted Brie Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Time 1h45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Nonstick cooking spray, for the baking dish
3 ounces pancetta, chopped
8 ounces rigatoni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
4 ounces Brie, rind removed and finely chopped
4 ounces Gruyere, shredded
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
Cook the pancetta in a small skillet until crispy, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the onion is soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the nutmeg, paprika, cayenne, allspice and a few turns of pepper and cook for 2 minutes more. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the flour, whisking until combined, then cook for 1 minute. Add half the milk, whisking continuously, until thickened, about 5 minutes, then repeat with the other half of the milk. Add the Brie, Gruyere and pancetta and stir until the cheese is melted. Remove from the heat and add the pasta.
Pour the mixture into the baking dish and top it with the walnuts and Parmesan. Bake until the top is browned, about 25 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!