4.6 from 82 votes
Italian Mac And Cheese
Italian Mac And Cheese is a pasta dish featuring penne coated in a creamy cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and Italian-seasoned shredded cheeses including mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. The sauce is thickened on the stovetop, yielding a smooth, rich texture with herbaceous notes. A hint of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat, complementing the comforting, cheesy pasta.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
18 mins
Total Time
28 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
713 kcal
Course:
Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian, American
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 713
% 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.