italian mac n cheese recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
italian mac n cheese recipe
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The Best italian mac n cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share this Italian mac n cheese recipe with you all. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for comforting and delicious meals that my family will love. This recipe is a game-changer – it’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.

I’ve made it for weeknight dinners, special occasions, and even packed it in lunches for my kids. It’s a versatile recipe that’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and serves as a great base for experimenting with different flavors. My family can’t get enough of it, and I’m sure yours will love it too!

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Just mix together some pasta, cheese, and milk, and you’re good to go. I love that it’s a one-pot meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when we’re all rushing around trying to get out the door on time.

And let me tell you, the leftovers are just as good as the first batch. My kids devour it at school, and I’m always happy to pack them a thermos of leftovers for their lunchboxes. Plus, this recipe is actually pretty healthy considering how rich and creamy it is – we’re talking whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and low-fat milk.

So go ahead and give this Italian mac n cheese recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed! I’ve even included some fun variations below if you want to mix things up a bit.

Italian Mac n Cheese

Italian Mac n Cheese

4.6 from 1172 votes

A creamy and comforting Italian-inspired macaroni and cheese with a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tsp salt

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

For the Tomato Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
2Drain and set aside.
3In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
5Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it turns light brown.
6Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
7Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
8This should take about 5 minutes.
9Remove the sauce from heat and add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
10Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
12In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
13Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
14Add the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
15Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
16Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
17In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and tomato sauce.
18Stir until well coated.
19Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
20Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
21Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
22This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Colander
Mixing bowl
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Italian Mac n Cheese Works

This Italian mac n cheese recipe is always a good idea – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it on-the-go for lunch or dinner.

It’s an easy meal prep option that can be customized with your favorite ingredients and reheated in minutes when you need it.

Plus, with its comforting creaminess and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Mac n Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use?

For this recipe, I like to use a combination of cavatappi and elbow macaroni – the cavatappi adds a fun twist to the classic mac n cheese while the elbow macaroni provides a nice texture contrast.

Q: Can I substitute other types of cheese?

Of course! While I personally love using a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for its creamy texture and rich flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar or gouda.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This Italian mac n cheese recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly – just be sure to use vegetarian-friendly seasonings like dried basil or oregano instead of meat-based options.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Sure thing! Simply prepare the pasta mixture according to the instructions below, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

Q: How do I reheat leftover mac n cheese?

Reheating leftover mac n cheese is easy peasy – simply microwave it until hot through or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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