Tomatoey Macaroni And Cheese - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 ounces macaroni
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
28 ounces tomatoes (canned petite diced)
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups half-and-half
1 cup chicken broth
6 cups cheddar cheese (4 c. mild, 2 c. sharp)

Preparation

Adjust oven to middle position and heat to 400 degrees.
Bring 4 qts water to boil in large dutch oven, stir in 1 T salt and 1 box macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and return to pot. pour diced tomatoes with juice over pasta and stir to coat. Cook over med high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
To make cheese sauce: Melt butter in med saucepan over med heat. Stir in flour and cayenne and cook till golden and fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in half an half and broth until smooth, add shredded cheese. Bring to boil, reduce heat to med and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
Scrape mixture into 13x9 inch baking dish set in rimmed baking sheet and bake until top begin s to brown, 15-20 minutes. Let sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.
The macaroni and cheese can be made in advance through step 2; scrape mixture into baking dish, lay plastic wrap directly on surface of pasta, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, remove plastic wrap , cover macaroni mixture with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. uncover and bake until top is golden brown , about 15 minutes.