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Red Wine Pancetta Mac & Cheese

Red wine puts a spin on grown-up mac & cheese with pancetta and a trifecta of cheeses.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6
Calories: 594kcal
Author: Mountain Cravings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. pasta
  • 8 oz. pancetta or bacon diced
  • 4 T. butter
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 T. flour
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1/2 T. red pepper flakes
  • 1 t. nutmeg
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1 cup white cheddar shredded
  • 1/2 cup gruyere shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan shredded

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Sauté pancetta over medium heat until just starting to crisp, then remove from pan.
  • Add butter to the pan and heat to brown. It will begin to froth and brown flecks will start appearing.
  • Immediately add onions and saute until just beginning to brown, then add garlic and saute a few minutes more.
  • Add flour and whisk until a roux starts to form.
  • Slowly whisk in milk, then red wine, and simmer to thicken.
  • Season with red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Remove the pan from heat and stir in cheeses until completely melted.
  • Combine the pasta, pancetta, and cheese sauce. Add a little extra milk or water if the sauce needs to be thinned out.
  • Serve with a glass or two of the red wine and enjoy!