Artie’s Deli Mac and Cheese

From Artie’s Deli, New York, NY.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 4  tablespoons butter, plus extra
•  butter, for the baking dish
• 1⁄2 lb farfalle pasta
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 2  cups  whole milk
• 2  cups  grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 lb  pastrami, diced
• 1  teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 6 -10  Ritz crackers, pulsed in the food processor (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup crumbs)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°; butter an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat; cook farfalle until al dente, about 8-10 minutes; drain.
3. In a large pan over med-low heat, melt the butter; sprinkle in the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute.
4. Gradually add in the milk, stirring; increase the heat to medium.
5. Cook, stirring frequently, until almost boiling and smooth, about 5 minutes.
6. Add in the cheeses and stir until melted and incorporated, 2-3 minutes.
7. Stir in the pastrami and decrease the heat.
8. Add in the pasta and season with salt and pepper; transfer pasta to the baking dish; top with cracker crumbs.
9. Bake 20-25 minutes, until browned and bubbly.