Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
10 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 quart whole milk , at room temperature
1 pinch fresh nutmeg
sea salt
white pepper
1 cup grated fontina
1/2 lb thinly sliced prosciutto , julienned
1 lb dry rigatoni pasta
3 tablespoons unsalted butter , diced
Baked Rigatoni with Bechamel Sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that is sure to please the whole family. The creamy, cheesy pasta pairs perfectly with the salty prosciutto, making for a warm and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for sharing with friends and family at a dinner party.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375 F.
2.Cook the rigatoni al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3.In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4.Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
5.Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6.Add a pinch of nutmeg and season with sea salt and white pepper to taste.
7.Cook the sauce for 10-15 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8.Stir in the grated fontina and prosciutto until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is evenly distributed.
9.Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and toss to coat.
10.Transfer the pasta to a baking dish and dot the top with the diced butter.
11.Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the pasta is heated through.

PROS

This dish is warm, comforting, and easy to make.

The creamy bechamel sauce pairs perfectly with the rigatoni and prosciutto, making for a filling and satisfying meal.

CONS

Baked Rigatoni with Bechamel Sauce is not a low calorie meal, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

This dish is also not suitable for vegetarians, as it contains prosciutto.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not the healthiest option, this dish provides a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese and milk used in the bechamel sauce.
It is also a great comfort food for a cold winter’s evening.

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