Tuscan Mac and Cheese
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish with this Tuscan Mac and Cheese. This gourmet recipe features a creamy three-cheese sauce made with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, artfully blended with fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Each mouthful transports you to Italy, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or romantic date nights. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this dish stands out on any table. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s both satisfying and elegant, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups milk (1%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb medium pasta shells
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 10 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon EACH: oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic salt, mustard powder, parsley
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or 1 additional tbsp flour if needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Stir in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until thickened. Add hot sauce and seasonings.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach until wilted. Stir in cheese until melted.
- Combine the sauce with drained pasta; serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Find it online: https://allfoodierecipes.com/tuscan-mac-and-cheese/