Three Cheese Mac with Cheez-It Herb Crumb Crust

Ingredients

• 6 servings pepper black freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons butter 
• 0.5 box cheez-it crackers 
• 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
• 0.3 cup fontina grated
• 1 bunch chives fresh chopped
• 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley fresh chopped
• 2 tablespoons goat cheese crumbled soft
• 2 cups heavy cream 
• 2 cups milk 
• 2 tablespoons aged monterey jack cheese grated
• 1 pound penne pasta 
• 6 servings salt 

Equipment

• food processor
• oven
• whisk
• pot
• broiler

Directions

1. Set the oven to broil.
2. Add the pasta to a pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Pulse the crackers in a food processor to a coarse consistency.
4. Mix with the chives and parsley.
5. Whisk the butter and flour in a medium saucepot over medium-high heat until fully incorporated and bubbly.
6. Add the milk and bring to a simmer, whisking the entire time.
7. Whisk in the cheeses, a little at a time, until thoroughly combined.
8. Add the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
9. Strain the pasta and mix with the cheesy sauce. Spoon into oven-safe baking vessels and top with the crumb crust.
10. Place under the broiler until lightly toasted and bubbling, 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully so the mac doesn't burn.