Indulge in a delicious and comforting Italian twist on classic mac and cheese with this flavorful recipe.
Creamy pasta shells are combined with Italian cheeses, herbs, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a satisfying dish that will please everyone at the table.
Follow these steps to make Italian Mac and Cheese that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta shells (or any pasta shape of your choice)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend (such as mozzarella, fontina, Parmesan, and Asiago)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (made from crusty bread)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Equipment:
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded Italian cheese blend until melted and smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta shells with the prepared cheese sauce until well coated.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the pasta in an even layer.
Bake the Mac and Cheese:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve and Garnish:
Remove the Italian Mac and Cheese from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Tips and Variations:
Customize the cheese blend with your favorite Italian cheeses such as provolone, Gruyère, or pecorino.
Add cooked Italian sausage, diced cooked chicken, or sautéed mushrooms to make it a heartier meal.
For extra flavor, drizzle with a balsamic reduction or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Enjoy Your Italian Mac and Cheese!
Savor the creamy and cheesy goodness of this Italian-inspired mac and cheese dish.
With its flavorful cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to become a favorite comfort food in your home.
Serve this delicious pasta bake alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love!