Pasta Wheels And Cheese

Ingredients

Salt

1 pound rotelle pasta (wagon wheel)

3 cups milk

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Freshly ground black pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon Dijon or yellow mustard

2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 10 ounces), plus 4 tablespoons for topping

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Add pasta; cook until al dente. Drain well. Transfer to a large bowl.

Heat milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until hot. Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium heat.When butter begins to foam, add flour; cook, whisking, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in hot milk. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat. Add 1 teaspoon salt, a pinch of black pepper, cayenne, mustard, and cheese; stir until melted.

Stir cheese sauce into the pasta, and serve immediately.