JOAN SCHWARTZ

Simple Mac and Cheese for Two

MAKES 2 SERVINGS

Easy! Quick! Painless! This is a good basic Mac. Don't expect the cheese to melt before baking—it doesn't have to.

Butter for the ramekins

1 cup penne

1 cup half-and-half

1 cup (¼ pound) grated Cheddar cheese Dash of Tabasco

Kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter two 1-cup ovenproof ramekins or small baking dishes.

  2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the pasta until al dente, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain.

  3. In a medium bowl, combine the half-and-half, Cheddar, and penne and season to taste with Tabasco, salt, and pepper. Pour into the prepared ramekins and sprinkle with the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake on the middle shelf until set, 15 to 20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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