Description
Tuscan Mac and Cheese is a creamy and flavorful twist on the classic dish, featuring a blend of cheeses, tomatoes, and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Fold in the chopped spinach and cooked macaroni until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add an extra splash of heavy cream before baking.
- You can substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- For added flavor, mix in cooked Italian sausage or roasted red peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg