Italian Mac and Cheese

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Step 2

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in rigatoni pasta, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour and cook for 3-4 minutes. Then whisk in the heavy cream, half and half, rosemary, Dijon mustard season with salt and pepper reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes. Stir in half of the cheese and turn off heat.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet with olive oil on medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 2 minutes then add in the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Add the chicken, lemon zest, chopped parsley and cook for 4 minutes and turn off the heat. Add the pasta and mix with ingredients then add in the cream sauce then transfer to 6 individual baking dishes. Top the pasta with remaining cheese and bake for 20 minutes.