Super Easy Italian Style Mac And Cheese Recipe
Mac and cheese, three words that bring music to my ears! I have made a plethora of variations over the years because I just can’t get enough, but this Italian Style Mac and Cheese is a new twist on an old favorite! It’s creamy, it’s cheesy and it’s loaded with Italian flavor. This comfort food dish is ready in under 30 minutes and is a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation! Simple, cheesy, utterly delicious. This mac and cheese is a must make! Made with a short list of simple, kitchen staples, this recipe could not get easier. It’s as simple as boiling your noodles, making a creamy cheese sauce and combining the two for an ultimate dinner!
Pasta – I used penne noodles, use your preference! Butter – I always use unsalted to control the sodium in the dish. Flour – I used all-purpose flour to thicken the cheese sauce. For a gluten free option, use cornstarch. Seasoning – Italian seasoning is a blend of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme & marjoram. If you don’t have all of them on hand, use a combination of what you have. Milk – Dairy or non dairy will work. Cheese – Shredded cheese! Mozzarella or provolone are great options for this Italian version, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Parmesan Cheese – I always recommend using freshly grated! You’ll notice I’m not adding any additional salt to this recipe and that’s because the Parmesan cheese has plenty of salt to it, so feel free to add some if you’d like. Red Pepper Flakes – For an added kick. Use as much or as little as you like.
How To Make Italian Mac And Cheese
What Type Of Pasta Can I Use?
I prefer this recipe with penne noodles or small shaped pastas. Other great options are rotini, farfalle, shells, (elbow) macaroni, rigatoni, fusilli, and mafalda. The perfect vessels for carrying your silky sauce! You can use long shapes if you like, of course. Linguini, fettuccine, spaghetti, spaghettini; anything you like. It will all taste wonderful!
What Else Can I Add?
Feel free to incorporate any extra veggies, spices, herbs, garlic, cheese, etc. into this dish! You could also go ahead and add some protein like chicken, turkey, or sausage if you wish.
Can I Make This In Advance?
Absolutely! You can make this dish and freeze it for future meals. Keep in mind after cooked pasta freezes and thaws, it will become a bit softer in texture. Scroll down to “freezing” section for full instructions.
Storing Leftovers
Transfer your leftover Italian mac and cheese to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating
Reheat either in the microwave, or on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir often and add a splash of water or milk/cream if you find the sauce is too thick.
Freezing
This Italian mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely freeze it for future dinners. It will last up to 6 months stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind after cooked pasta freezes and thaws, it will become a bit softer in texture. Let the mac and cheese thaw overnight in the fridge to make reheating easier and reduce the risk of breaking the pasta. If you find the sauce has separated a bit after thawing, the reheating and stirring will bring it back together.
Other Delicious Pasta Dishes To Try
Chicken Mac And CheeseCheeseburger Hamburger HelperBaked Mac and CheeseInstant Pot Chili MacBaked Feta Pasta (Tik Tok Pasta)Carbonara Mac And Cheese SouffléInstant Pot Mac And Cheese
