Creamy Cheddar Pasta With Scallion Bread Crumbs Recipes

CREAMY CHEDDAR PASTA WITH SCALLION BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onion and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until very tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cream cheese, Cheddar, Parmesan and nutmeg and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Toss with the pasta, adding some of the reserved cooking liquid if the pasta seems dry.
• In a food processor, pulse the bread until coarse crumbs form. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and toss with the remaining Tbsp oil and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes; toss with the scallions. Serve over the pasta.

CREAMY CAULIFLOWER PASTA WITH PECORINO BREAD CRUMBS

Steps:

• Bring a large pasta pot filled with salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente; drain and reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water.
• Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add bread crumbs and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they're evenly toasted and golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. Add 1/4 cup pecorino and toss to coat, letting the cheese melt and clump among the bread crumbs (think granola-like clusters). Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl or plate; set aside.
• Wipe out the skillet and heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cauliflower and season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the cauliflower has completely softened and both the cauliflower and shallots are beginning to caramelize and brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Add heavy cream and 1 tablespoon lemon zest and bring to a simmer, then let the cream reduce and thicken, 2 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and plenty of pepper; if pasta is still cooking, remove from heat and set aside until pasta is ready.
• Return the skillet to medium heat and add the pasta to the cauliflower, along with the remaining 1/4 cup pecorino and 3/4 cup of the pasta water. Cook, tossing to coat the pasta and thicken the sauce until it's thick and glossy, and almost resembles macaroni and cheese, adding more pasta water by the tablespoon as needed, 4 to 6 minutes.
• Remove from heat. Divide pasta among bowls and top with pecorino bread crumbs, chives, more lemon zest, red-pepper flakes (if using) and more cheese if you like.

CHEDDAR AND SCALLION BREAD

Steps:

• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a food processor, combine the cheese and butter. Process until the mixture is smooth. Add the scallions and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread the cheese mixture on the cut sides of the bread. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
• Remove from oven and serve immediately.

CREAMED SCALLIONS ON PASTA

Steps:

• In a large skillet, combine scallions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 cup water; cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until scallions wilt and pan is almost dry, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add cream; stir to coat. Cover; reduce heat to low, and cook at a bare simmer (cream will separate if boiled), stirring occasionally, until scallions are tender, 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water; drain pasta, and return to pot.
• Toss pasta with warm sauce and reserved pasta water; season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

CHEDDAR AND SCALLION BREAD

Steps:

• Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a food processor, combine the cheese and butter. Process until the mixture is smooth. Add the scallions and garlic and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread the cheese mixture on the cut sides of the bread. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
• Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into 1-inch thick slices and serve.