Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs

Submitted by:

American Pecan Council | Sisters Emily and Melissa Elsen, Four & Twenty Blackbirds

50 minutes

With cheddar and ricotta cheeses, sour cream and cavatappi noodles, this macaroni and cheese is extra creamy. Sprinkle with a mixture of blended pecans and cheddar cheese to add a crunchy finish to this family favorite dish.

Ingredients

1/2 cup raw pecan pieces
8 ounces cavatappi pasta
1 tablespoon butter
8 ounce block of cheddar cheese
15 ounces part skim ricotta cheese
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 to 4 tablespoons pasta cooking water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 Fahrenheit.
Cook cavatappi in salted boiling water. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to cooking pot and stir in butter.
While pasta is cooking, shred cheddar cheese on a box grater.
Using a food processor, combine ¼ cup of shredded cheese with pecans. Process until a coarse breadcrumb consistency.
Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, salt and pepper to the warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add egg, stir. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons pasta water to loosen mixture, stir until smooth.
Pour into a buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan/cheddar topping.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Nutrition facts

Calories

500

Fat

29g

Sat Fat

15g

Sodium

730mg

Carbs

34g

Fiber

Protein

25g

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Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

Instructions