4.6 from 123 votes
Italian Mac And Cheese
Classic comfort food, with an Italian twist! This Italian Mac And Cheese is loaded with cheesy, herbaceous flavor and takes under 30 minutes to make! Penne noodles are smothered in a luscious mozzarella cheese sauce, spiked with Italian seasoning and parmesan.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
28 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 713 kcal
Course:
Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne
- 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
- Use different variations of cheese to make this recipe to your liking
- Play around with seasonings and spices. Most people have different palates, so season to your liking!
- Add chicken to the mac and cheese for extra protein.
- Don't overcook your noodles! Cook to al dente so they don't become too soft and squishy.
- Transfer your leftover Italian mac and cheese to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely freeze it for future dinners. It will last up to 6 months stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind after cooked pasta freezes and thaws, it will become a bit softer in texture.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1serving
Calories
713kcal
(36%)
Carbohydrates
66g
(22%)
Protein
33g
(66%)
Fat
35g
(54%)
Saturated Fat
21g
(105%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
99mg
(33%)
Sodium
661mg
(28%)
Potassium
368mg
(11%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
7g
(14%)
Vitamin A
1128IU
(23%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
729mg
(73%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
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.