Baked, Fancy Mac And Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 pound mini tube pasta, like rigatoni, penne, or macaroni
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 5 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, finely minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese (optional, or could use ricotta)
• 8 oz grated swiss cheese (or 1 shredded bag)
• 8 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 oz grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs

Preparations:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Boil water and prepare pasta according to directions, cooking for 3-4 minutes less than called-for time.
2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat (the very large one). Once hot, add in olive oil and butter, then throw in shallots. Stir to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 
3. Add flour to the skillet and whisk constantly to create a roux. Let cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. 
4. Pour in milk, stirring continuously for another 1-2 minutes. Add all of the grated cheeses, and mascarpone if using. Stir continuously until mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat.
5. Sprinkle the top of the mixture with breadcrumbs. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately.