Italian-Style Mac ‘n Cheese Recipe
Servings: 12
Total Time: 40 minutes (20 minutes prep + 20 minutes cook)
This Italian-Style Mac ‘n Cheese recipe combines classic comfort food with an Italian twist, offering a deliciously creamy and flavorful take on the beloved mac and cheese. With ziti pasta, a rich blend of cheeses, and savory mushrooms, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of Parmesan cheese, four-cheese blend, and a touch of hot sauce gives it the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavor. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering, this Italian-style mac ‘n cheese is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | 1 lb |
| Penne pasta | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 12 oz |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Heavy cream | 2 1/2 cups |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Four-cheese blend | 2 cups |
| Hot sauce (optional) | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 335.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 45.3 mg |
| Sodium | 339.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.9 g |
| Sugars | 2.6 g |
| Protein | 14.6 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pasta:
- Begin by cooking the ziti or penne pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
-
Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, brown and crumble the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pan and drain it on paper towels to remove excess fat.
-
Cook the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, return it to heat and add the olive oil, butter, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the ingredients for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
-
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Preheat your broiler to high.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well. Continue to cook for about 2 minutes to allow the flour to combine with the ingredients and cook through.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, followed by the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a bubble over medium heat.
- Once the cream begins to bubble, stir in two cups of the four-cheese blend. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle bubble, then remove the pan from the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For added spice, you can stir in hot sauce at this stage.
-
Combine the Pasta, Sausage, and Cheese Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and browned sausage. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and sausage mixture, stirring until everything is well coated.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of the four-cheese blend and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
-
Broil the Mac ‘n Cheese:
- Place the baking dish under the preheated broiler and broil for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Italian-Style Mac ‘n Cheese!
Tips & Variations:
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use a spicier hot sauce.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the pasta for gluten-free penne and ensure the flour is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Use Different Cheeses: While the recipe calls for a four-cheese blend, you can mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Gruyère, mozzarella, and fontina all work wonderfully in this dish.
This Italian-Style Mac ‘n Cheese recipe is a delightful twist on the classic, with the perfect combination of creamy cheese sauce, savory sausage, and tender mushrooms. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering!
