Tuscan Mac and Cheese

Tuscan Delight Mac & Cheese reimagines a beloved American classic by infusing it with the rich and vibrant flavors of Italy. This dish represents a perfect fusion of traditional Italian culinary elements and the comforting familiarity of mac and cheese. Imagine the creamy texture of perfectly melted cheeses enveloping tender pasta, enhanced by aromatic herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, all while maintaining the heartiness that makes mac and cheese a favorite among many.

Experience a creamy twist on classic mac and cheese with Tuscan Delight Mac & Cheese. This dish blends rich Italian flavors with familiar comfort food, featuring a delightful combination of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta combined with tender elbow macaroni. Enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs, every bite offers a burst of flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress cheese lovers and foodies alike. Transform your meals into a flavorful experience that warms the heart!

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Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni

4 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly.

Melt the Cheeses: Lower the heat and add the mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until all cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Combine and Add Extras: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated. Fold in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, mixing until the spinach is wilted.

Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese for a crunchy finish.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 55 min | 6-8 servings