baked mac & cheese with an italian twist

26 Pinches 1 Photo
Charlotte, NC
Updated on May 31, 2016

This is an easy dish to divide in half for a small family, or make a large one...great for leftovers. Sometimes, I'll pour it into two separate pans and freeze one for later. It's my family's all-time favorite Mac & Cheese, and the Italian herbs kick it up a notch!

prep time
cook time
method Bake
yield

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 oz.) box cavatappi, cooked (curly elbow macaroni with ridges)
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 teaspoons onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups milk
  • - herbs and cheese:
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon sweet basil, dried
  • 1 - pimento, chopped
  • 4-5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve some for the top)

How To Make baked mac & cheese with an italian twist

  • Step 1
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook macaroni as directed on package, drain. Melt butter in saucepan; then saute onion in butter. Add flour, salt & pepper. Mix well.
  • Step 2
    Gradually stir in: 4 c. milk Stir constantly until smooth and thickened.
  • Step 3
    Add herbs and cheese, stir over low heat, until cheese melts. Mix sauce and macaroni and pour into a 13x9" greased (I use Pam) baking pan. Shred an extra 1 cup cheddar cheese to garnish top, then sprinkle with Paprika.
  • Step 4
    Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Discover More

Culture: Italian
Category: Pasta Sides
Ingredient: Pasta
Method: Bake

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