Peas and Artichoke Baked Pasta

Ingredients

Buttery Bread Crumbs:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs 
• Kosher salt 

Macaroni and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup grated Aged cheddar
• 1/2 cup grated gouda (about 5 ounces)
• 1 cup peas (thawed) 
• 1 can of artichokes, drained and chopped 
• 1 pound of pasta of choice (I used penne) 

Instructions

1. 1
   To Make the Buttery Bread Crumbs: To a small saucepan, set over medium heat, melt the butter. When melted, add the breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt. Mix until the bread crumbs are thoroughly coated. Set aside.
2. 2
   To Make the Macaroni + Cheese: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 
3. 3
   To a medium pot, set over medium heat, add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the flour and mix it together and cook the flour butter mixture for about 1 minute. Pour in the milk in two batches, stirring continuously in between additions. Cook until it thickens up, about 2 to 3 minutes. It’ll start to bubble up and thicken. Give it a good whisk and be sure to get in those corners of the pan to get any floury bits up and mixed in. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. 4
   Turn off the heat and whisk in the kosher salt, crushed red pepper, Dijon mustard and a few rounds of pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the salt to taste. Add the grated cheeses and mix them in until they’re melted. Cover the pot with a lid and set aside. 
5. 5
   Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package’s instructions, about 9 minutes. 
6. 6
   Drain the pasta and then immediately add it to the pot with the cheesy sauce, peas and artichokes. Mix until thoroughly combined. 
7. 7
   Transfer to a 9 x 11-inch baking dish (or one that is comparable). Smooth it into an even layer and then top it with the reserved bread crumbs. 
8. 8
   Transfer it to the oven to bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is lightly golden brown.