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Barbecued Pulled Pork Pasta ‘n’ Cheese Recipe

Turn ordinary pasta into a comforting meal with the addition of barbecued pulled pork, along with a combination of three cheeses.

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Yields about 6 servings. SERVINGS

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cavatappi or other pasta
  • 2 cups leftover pulled pork
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 4 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, grated

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
  • In a large saucepan or stockpot, cook pasta to al dente, according to package directions.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine pulled pork and barbecue sauce, and mix well; set aside.
  • In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux, and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking vigorously, until mixture is smooth. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking often, until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove saucepan from heat, and stir in salt and pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, and paprika, mixing well.
  • In a large bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, and Gouda cheeses, and mix well. Add 2/3 of the cheese blend to the sauce mixture, and stir until melted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • When pasta is done, drain well, and pour into a large bowl. Add cheese sauce, and stir to coat. Turn mixture into prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheese blend and pulled pork mixture over pasta mixture. With a spoon, gently swirl cheese and pork into pasta mixture. You want it lightly mixed, but not incorporated.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
  • Turn oven to a low broil, and broil for 5 minutes, or until top is golden-brown with crispy bits of cheese and pork.
  • Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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