Italian Mac And Cheese
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
18 mins
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Total Time
28 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
713 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Italian Mac And Cheese
Description
This recipe begins by cooking penne pasta until al dente, then draining and cooling it. Meanwhile, a roux is created by melting butter and whisking in flour and Italian seasoning, cooked briefly to remove raw flour taste. Milk is added slowly while whisking until the sauce thickens. Shredded cheeses including mozzarella, provolone, and freshly grated Parmesan are incorporated until the sauce is smooth and rich.
The cooked pasta is then tossed in the cheese sauce to coat every piece, creating a creamy, velvety texture. Red pepper flakes sprinkled on top add a mild heat contrast to the savory, cheesy flavors. This mac and cheese recipe is adaptable, with suggestions to customize cheese blends and seasonings for personal taste, and to add chicken for protein if desired.
Notes advise careful cooking of pasta to avoid mushiness, storing leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for up to three days, and the option to freeze the dish up to six months for convenience. Freezing may slightly soften pasta texture upon reheating. This recipe suits those seeking a classic comfort dish with an Italian seasoning twist.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- ¼ cup butter unsalted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups cheese shredded, such as mozzarella, provolone
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large salted pot of boiling water according to package instructions, until al-dente. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and Italian seasoning and whisk. Cook for 2 minutes while whisking continuously.
- Finish Sauce: Add the milk and whisk until it thickens. Stir in the cheeses and whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Add Pasta: Add the penne to the pot and toss well making sure the pasta is fully covered in sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes and serve.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to tailor the flavor to your preference.
- Cooking pasta al dente prevents the dish from becoming too soft or mushy when combined with sauce.
- Adding cooked chicken can increase protein content and make the dish more filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days for best freshness.
- Freeze portions for up to 6 months, though texture may soften after thawing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 713 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 713kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 66g | 22% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 99mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 661mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 368mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 1128IU | 23% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 729mg | 73% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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