Baked Rigatoni with Béchamel Sauce

Directions

• Step 1 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Step 2 In a 2 quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Step 3 Add the flour and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Step 4 Always stirring, gradually add the milk and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Step 5 Simmer until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This will take approximately 10 minutes.
• Step 6 Remove from heat and stir in nutmeg, 1/2 cup fontina, prosciutto and season with salt and white pepper.
• Step 7 Set aside.
• Step 8 In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water.
• Step 9 Add the rigatoni and cook for about 5 minutes. Since you will be cooking the pasta a second time in the oven, you want to make sure the inside is still hard.
• Step 10 Drain in a colander.
• Step 11 Return pasta to the pot and pour in béchamel sauce.
• Step 12 Using a wooden spoon, mix well until all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
• Step 13 Into a greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish, pour the pasta with cream sauce.
• Step 14 Smooth out top and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup fontina.
• Step 15 Dot the top with diced butter and bake in oven for 25 minutes or until bubbling and the top is golden brown.