2cupsMonterey Jack cheeseI used preshredded cheese
½teaspoonpepper
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoongarlic powdercan substitute with one fresh garlic clove, minced.
4cupsassorted fresh vegetableszucchini, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes, asparagus - use your favorites!
¼cupbread crumbs
2tablespoonsparmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the casserole dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
Cook the pasta according to package directions to al dente, drain well. Save about a cup of pasta water to add to the sauce if needed.
Start by melting the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for two minutes until the flour is incorporated.
Next whisk in the wine, whisking to incorporate. The sauce will be a smooth paste.
Now do the same with the milk. Slow pour it in while whisking the whole time, the sauce will start to thicken. Add the cheese continuing to stir until it's melted. Sprinkle in the seasonings - salt, pepper and garlic powder.
When the sauce is thick, stir in the cooked pasta and vegetables, mix everything together well.
Pour into the prepared casserole dish and top with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until hot & bubbly!
Notes
Don't skimp on cooking the flour for two minutes. If you do the sauce will have an icky raw flour taste.
Adding more pasta may sound like a great way to stretch the dish, but the pasta will be dry instead of dripping with cheesy sauce!
If your sauce is too thick, thin it out with pasta water you saved.