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Italian Mac And Cheese recipes Recipe

Italian Mac And Cheese recipes Recipe

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4.5 from 72 reviews

This Italian Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic comfort food, featuring Italian seasoning, mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan for a delightful, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound penne

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (such as mozzarella, provolone, or a mix)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Garnish

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
  2. Make Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning, and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flavor of the flour and build a roux base.
  3. Finish Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheese mixture and freshly grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  4. Add Pasta: Add the drained penne to the cheese sauce, tossing well to coat all of the pasta evenly in the sauce. Let it cook together for another minute so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce’s flavor.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Transfer the Italian mac and cheese to a serving bowl or plate. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes as garnish and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can use a combination of Italian cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, fontina, or asiago for even more flavor.
  • Add cooked chicken, pancetta, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier main dish.
  • For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil until bubbly and golden.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 530mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 61g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Find it online: https://sophiasplate.com/italian-mac-and-cheese-recipes/