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Creamy Tuscan Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Mac and Cheese recipe combines classic comfort food with fresh, vibrant flavors like spinach and sundried tomatoes. Made with a blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, it’s a decadent yet approachable dish perfect for dinner. The creamy cheese sauce, infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, envelops al dente elbow macaroni, making each bite rich and flavorful. Optionally baked for a bubbly golden crust, it’s a delightful twist on traditional mac and cheese with a Tuscan flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Seasonings

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry, rehydrated)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  2. Make Roux: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to develop flavor and remove raw flour taste.
  3. Add Milk & Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Stir in Cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth, creating a rich, creamy base.
  5. Season & Add Veggies: Mix in garlic powder (or fresh garlic), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then fold in chopped spinach and sundried tomatoes, distributing them evenly throughout the sauce.
  6. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta, stirring thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly.
  7. Bake or Serve: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if desired and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Alternatively, serve immediately for a creamier texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach to keep the dish vibrant and retain nutrients.
  • Rehydrate dry sundried tomatoes before use to enhance texture and flavor.
  • For an even richer sauce, substitute whole milk with cream.
  • Avoid overcooking pasta as it will further cook if baked, preventing mushiness.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, spinach mac and cheese, sundried tomato pasta, baked mac and cheese, easy dinner recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/creamy-tuscan-mac-and-cheese-recipe/