Mauritian Cheesy Baked Pasta

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) penne pasta 300g (10.5 oz) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (470ml) milk 2 cups (470ml) milk
• 1 cup (100g) grated Gruyere cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Gruyere cheese
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. 4.
   Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. 5.
   Add the grated Gruyere cheese and cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. 6.
   Stir in the ground nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing until well coated.
8. 8.
   Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
9. 9.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheese — For a more authentic Mauritian flavor, try using local Mauritian cheeses such as Gato Pima or Boulette de Mamie.
• Nutmeg — Freshly grated nutmeg will enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of spice, sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper on top before baking.
• For a more indulgent version, add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta mixture before baking.
• Experiment with different types of cheeses to create your own unique flavor combination.
• To achieve a perfectly golden crust, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Mauritian Cheesy Baked Pasta hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, sprinkle some extra grated cheese and chopped parsley on top of the baked pasta before serving. Serve it in individual oven-safe dishes for an elegant touch.