Tuscan Mac and Cheese
Tuscan Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. Creamy cheese sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach create a delightful fusion of taste and texture. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this quick recipe ensures you can indulge in a warm bowl of cheesy goodness any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the cavatappi pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream while whisking until thickened (about five minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, oregano, salt, and pepper until heated through.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta until well coated. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavor twists. - Add grilled chicken or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. - For baked mac and cheese, transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.