Family-Pleasing Cheesy Pasta Twists

Makes 6 serving(s)

WHAT'S IN IT?

1/2 (16-ounce) box cavatappi (elbow twists) or other pasta

Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cup fat-free milk
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground red (cayenne) pepper
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Topping:
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

STUFF YOU NEED

This is a family recipe. Kids and Parents: you'll need each other to make it!

HOW TO PUT IT TOGETHER

1. For Kids: Preheat the oven to 450° F.
   
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, boiling for the maximum time suggested; drain. Evenly pour the drained pasta into a sprayed nonstick 9" x 13" baking pan. Set aside until the cheese sauce is finished.
   
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour with 1/4 cup of the milk. Once thoroughly combined, pour in the remaining 1 cup of milk.
   
4. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.
   
5. For Kids: Into the saucepan, gently drop in the butter and sprinkle in the salt, white pepper, nutmeg and red pepper.
   
6. Whisk the sauce continuously. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes, while whisking continuously. Remove from heat.
   
7. For Kids: Stir in the cheese until it's completely melted. The sauce will be smooth and orange.
   
8. Pour the hot Cheese Sauce over the pasta. Stir it gently with a large spoon or fork.
   
9. For Kids: Sprinkle the top of the cheese-coated pasta evenly with the bread crumbs.
   
10. Bake, uncovered, for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the top is crisp and the sauce is bubbling.

WHY IT'S GOOD FOR YOU

Per serving:
330 Calories, 11 g Total Fat, 6 g Saturated Fat, 35 mg Cholesterol, 350 mg Sodium, 43 g Total Carbohydrates, 3 g Dietary Fiber, 4 g Sugars, 16 g Protein, 10% Vitamin A, 2% Vitamin C, 30% Calcium, 10% Iron