This Tuscan Mac & Cheese takes classic comfort food and gives it an Italian garden makeover with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach that add both nutrition and incredible flavor. The creamy sauce gets built from scratch with a simple flour-and-milk base, then enriched with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that signature mac and cheese richness. Italian seasoning ties everything together while the sun-dried tomatoes provide bursts of sweet-tart intensity, making this a sophisticated twist on childhood favorite that adults will love just as much—maybe even more.
Tuscan Mac & Cheese
Recipe by Benjamin Brown
Tuscan Mac & Cheese features elbow macaroni in a creamy mozzarella and Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasoning, baked until golden.
Course: Main
/Cuisine: Italian
/Difficulty: Medium
Servings
4
Prep time
15 minutes
Cooking time
30 minutes
Calories
550 kcal
45 minutes
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup spinach, chopped
3 tbsp flour
2 cup milk
1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Directions
1.
Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside the pasta while you prepare the sauce.
2.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about five minutes.
3.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, then add the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
4.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir constantly to coat the vegetables evenly, cooking for about two minutes.
5.
Gradually add the milk to the skillet, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about five minutes.
6.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
7.
Mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is entirely coated with the sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
8.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
9.
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Total number of serves:
4 servings
Calories:
550kcal
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
620mg
Potassium:
400mg
Sugar:
8g
Protein:
6g
Calcium:
60mg
Iron:
2mg