Make pasta according to box instructions. Set aside 1 cup of pasta water for the cheese sauce.
While pasta is cooking, dice white onion, red pepper, jalapeño, mushrooms, and a small bushel of broccolini.
Heat a skillet to medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and sauté the vegetables. Once slightly charred, add a splash of cold water and cover skillet to let broccolini to steam.
Add cooked noodles to the pan. Then, toss with the vegetables. Grease a baking dish. Add in noodles and vegetables.
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a sauce pot. Then, add pasta water, finely shredded gouda cheese, and milk. Grate wedge of gouda over the sauce pot. You should have about 1 ½ cups of shredded gouda in total.
Whisk cheese sauce continuously until all the cheese is melted. Then, add in cracked pepper, red pepper flakes, and a dash of truffle salt. Pour cheese sauce into baking dish and stir together.
Layer mac and cheese with 1 cup of finely crushed crackers. Top with more finely grated fresh gouda if desired.
Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crackers are lightly toasted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Chicken Ranch Mac 'n Cheese
Cheesy Mexican Chicken Skillet
Whipped Feta Dip
Butternut Squash Mac 'n Cheese
Three Cheese Grilled Cheese
Spaghetti Squash Feta Casserole