Description
Indulge in the creamy, comforting goodness of this Ultimate Tuscan Mac and Cheese recipe. Loaded with three types of cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, it’s a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 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
- 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
- Cook the Pasta: Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season and Combine: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped spinach and sundried tomatoes. Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta, mixing well.
- Bake or Serve: Transfer to a baking dish if desired and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Alternatively, serve immediately.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding cooked chicken, bacon, or other favorite ingredients.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the mac and cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Tuscan, Mac and Cheese, Pasta, Comfort Food, Italian, Spinach, Sundried Tomatoes
