Shelly's Recipe

DINNER MAC AND CHEESE

Category: Pasta - Baked

1 (16-oz.) package uncooked cellentani (corkscrew) pasta
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (10-oz.) block sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (3-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped cooked ham
2 cups coarsely chopped assorted roasted vegetables
1 1/4 cups crushed round buttery crackers
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare cellentani pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, melt 3 Tbsp. butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Whisk in 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese and next 3 ingredients until smooth. Remove from heat, and stir in ham, vegetables, and hot cooked pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Stir together crushed cracker crumbs and 2 Tbsp. melted butter; sprinkle over pasta mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.