Oh SO Delicioso!: Three Cheese Penne (Macaroni)

Who doesn't LOVE Mac and Cheese? There are already several mac and cheese recipes on this blog: Baked Mac & Cheese, Another Mac & Cheese, Crock Pot Mac & Cheese and Healthy Mac & Cheese. That just goes to show that it is the ULTIMATE comfort food. With the fall months approaching I love burning my fall scented candles and breaking out the comfort food recipes. There is something about fall that I adore...maybe the smells, maybe the clothes...I'm not sure, but it's my favorite time of year.

About six years ago I went on the hunt for the PERFECT mac and cheese. I didn't want to hassle with making a white sauce or buying fancy ingredients. I wanted something tasty and simple. I came across this recipe and it is seriously a winner. I've been making it every since and I have yet to serve it to someone who didn't absolutely LOVE it. My dad claims to not even like mac and cheese, but requests this dish every time he visits. I recently made this for a potluck BBQ and it was the only dish where the pan was completely and utterly empty.

The original recipe called for your standard macaroni noodle, but I like penne. I like the cheese to fill the noodle so you get a perfect cheesy bite each time.

Makes 8-10 Side Dish Servings

Three Cheese Penne (Macaroni)

Ingredients:

12 oz Penne Pasta or Macaroni if you desire

1 1/2 Cups Milk

1/4 Cup Butter, melted

1/2 tsp Ground White Pepper

1/4 tsp Salt

8 oz American Cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded (2 cups)

2 oz Mozzarella, shredded (1/2 Cup)

20 Ritz Crackers, crushed

Instructions

Preheat over to 350 degrees. In a large pot cook pasta according to directions, drain and return to pot.

Add milk, butter, pepper, and salt. Stir in Cheeses. Transfer to a greased 2 quart casserole dish.

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Carefully stir mixture. Sprinkle with crushed crackers and bake 5 more minutes or until crackers are browned and mixture is heated through. (Don't overcook or mixture will curdle) Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Watch it disappear before your eyes.

AND... if your cooking up a storm for the holiday weekend full of BBQ and party's...don't forget about these awesome sides.. I mean everyone knows they go to the for the food they just don't admit it!