Description
Tuscan Mac & Cheese is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a rich blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and fontina cheeses with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach for a vibrant Mediterranean touch. This stovetop recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and tomatoes soften.
- Simmer Sauce Base: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Gradually add the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and shredded fontina cheeses to the sauce. Stir constantly until all cheeses have melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to enhance the flavors of the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped baby spinach and cook for a few minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and blend into the mixture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top of the mac and cheese for a bright herbal finish before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with fresh parsley or oregano based on preference.
