Panera Bread's Signature macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 16-ounce package of rigati pasta or other small pasta shells
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups 2% milk
• 6 slices white American cheese, chipped
• 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp white Vermont cheddar
• 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon hot sauce

Preparation

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Melt butter over low heat.
3. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat.
5. Add cheeses, mustard, salt, and hot sauce, stirring until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
6. Stir in pasta and cook over medium heat for 1 minute, or until thoroughly heated.

Provided courtesy of the Panera Bread website.

This was Rick's favorite Mac & Cheese.