Bajan Macaroni Pie

Tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy, herb-infused cream sauce. There are 3 types of cheese, and the cream sauce is spiked with Bajan seasonings and flavorful aromatics. It's simply unlike any mac-n-cheese you've had, and it will be the only one you make moving forward.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Caribbean

Diet Vegetarian

Keyword bajan cooking, caribbean food

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 684kcal

Author Robin Miller

Ingredients

1 pound pasta such as medium shells, or elbows
1 small red onion quartered
1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into 8 pieces
2 cloves garlic peeled
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk preferably whole milk
1 tablespoon Bajan seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese preferably whole milk
4 ounces cream cheese preferably full-fat
1/4 cup ketchup
4 ounces grated white cheddar cheese such as Anchor white cheddar from New Zealand, or any sharp white cheddar

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, combine the onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a blender or food processor and process into a puree (we do this for a smooth roux). Set aside.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. When the butter is bubbly, add the pureed onion mixture and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft and aromatic. Whisk in the flour. When the flour is completely incorporated, whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a gravy-like consistency.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the Bajan seasoning, paprika, garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes to heat through. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and ketchup. When the cheese has melted, fold in the pasta.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and top with the cheddar cheese.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the filling is bubbly. If desired, place the pan under the broiler to get the cheese golden.
Serve hot, room temperature, or chilled.

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