Pasta and Goat/Sheep Cheese

The variety of cheeses currently available is astonishing.  Since I have investigated nearly every item available in at least five local grocery stores, I was pleased to find a selection of goat or sheep cheeses that are easy on my digestion.  This recipe takes advantage of gluten-free or low gluten pastas combined with a couple of cheeses.  Bread crumbs?  Oh yes, created using Simple Mills Artisan Bread mix baked as rolls.  See side bar for referral links.

Adapted from https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/macaroni-goat-cheese-254767

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb pasta (pictured is Tolerant Red Lentil Pasta - Rotini)
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 Tablespoons flour (I used arrowroot powder or quinoa flour)
• 2 cups non-dairy milk, plain unsweetened
• fresh ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup packed grated sheep Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup grated goat cheese (I used cheddar)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil

Topping:

• 1/3 cup grated sheep Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons dried breadcrumbs (Simple Mills Artisan Bread), more if desired
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh)
• 1/4 cup grated goat cheese (cheddar)
• freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium sauce pan, melt butter over low heat.  When the butter is melted and sizzling, stir in the flour (or arrowroot powder) to create a paste and cook 1 minute.
3. Slowly add the milk, whisking to create a smooth sauce.  Let cook about 5 minutes or until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly add the grated Sheep Parmesan and the goat cheese, whisking to create a smooth sauce.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use the olive oil to grease the bottom of a medium size baking dish, about 8 to 10 inches long.
6. Place the drained pasta in the dish and pour the cheese sauce on top, stirring gently to coat all the pasta.
7. In a small bowl, make the topping.  Mix the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, thyme and pepper.  Spoon over the pasta and top with the goat cheese.
8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the pasta is hot.

Notes:

• I have also used Young Living's Einkorn Rotini Pasta.  This does contain gluten.
• Make it a meal by adding steamed broccoli.
• I '"grate" the cheese and make the bread crumbs using my Vitamix, dry blender pitcher.