Baked Protein Mac and Cheese

4 servings

cook time: approx. 1 hour

Ingredients

Pasta

• 1 1/2 cups Barilla Protein Plus Penne Pasta

Cheese Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups fat free half and half
• 2 3/4 cups part skim shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• salt
• pepper
• onion powder
• garlic

Crusted Topping

• 1/8 cup part skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/8 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/8 to 1/4 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp dried parsely
• salt
• pepper

Directions

1. Bring approx. 4 quarts of salted water to a boil and add 1 1/2 cups of pasta. Cook for approx. 11 minutes until paste is "al dente." Drain pasta and place in a glass baking dish. 
2. Once pasta has been added to boiling water, pour 1 1/2 cups of fat free half and half into a medium sauce pan. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stirring frequently, bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce to medium low heat and slowly stir in 2 3/4 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.
4. Stir frequently until cheese is fully melted.
5. Remove from heat and pour cheese sauce over your pasta. Stir in the baking dish until cheese sauce is fully mixed in. 
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
7. In a separate bowl, mix 1/8 cup mozzarella cheese, 1/8 cup parmesan cheese, 1/8 cup panko bread crumbs, and 1 tbsp parsley. If you would like your mac and cheese to have a crunchier crust, add an additional 1/8 cup panko bread crumbs now. Season mixture with salt and pepper.
8. Spread mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for approx. 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
10. Let cool approx. 30 minutes and enjoy!