Imagine a mac and cheese so rich, so authentically Italian, that it'll transport you straight to a cozy trattoria in Rome with just one bite. This isn't your ordinary mac and cheese – this is a luxurious, cheese-lover's dream that elevates the classic comfort food to a gourmet experience. Packed with three incredible Italian cheeses and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this recipe will revolutionize your dinner routine and impress even the most discerning pasta enthusiasts.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and equipment: a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander, a large mixing bowl, and a baking dish.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese mixture by combining shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and grated Parmesan in a large mixing bowl.
- Add milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
- Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the cheese mixture, stirring gently to coat every pasta piece evenly.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for the most authentic and rich flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Cook your pasta just until al dente – it will continue cooking in the oven, so you want to keep it slightly firm to prevent mushiness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a clove of minced garlic or some crispy pancetta to the cheese mixture.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- If you want a crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil before the final bake.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute part-skim mozzarella and use low-fat milk without sacrificing too much flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
