Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 4 tablespoons (2 oz) unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/4 cups whole milk (warmed)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces small pasta (such as shells, cavatappi, or lumache)
  • 8 ounces firm or semi-firm cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan

Instruction

  • Preheat the oven to 350ºF (180°C).
  • In a very large, high-sided, oven-safe skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk. Add the water, salt, and pepper, and bring just to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • As soon as the mixture comes to a simmer, immediately add the pasta and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and bake until the pasta is just cooked, 12 to 14 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the oven, add the cheeses, and gently stir just until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Let rest, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping it onto plates.