blush mac and cheese with tomatoes

6 Pinches
Gulf Breeze, FL
Updated on Jan 31, 2016

An unconventional mac-and-cheese!

prep time 10 Min
cook time 25 Min
method Stove Top
yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked corkscrew pasta
  • 1 pint container grape tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/4 cup shallots, diced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 ounces baby spinach leaves
  • 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded

How To Make blush mac and cheese with tomatoes

  • Step 1
    Preheat broiler to high.
  • Step 2
    Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain well.
  • Step 3
    While pasta cooks, place tomatoes on a jelly-roll pan lined with foil. Broil 8 minutes or until the tomatoes are beginning to blacken.
  • Step 4
    While the tomatoes cook, heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil to the pan; swirl to coat. Add diced shallots, minced garlic, and thyme; saute 2 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently.
  • Step 5
    Add the tomato paste; cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the milk, black pepper, and salt; bring to a boil. Cook 4 minutes or until thick and bubbly, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat.
  • Step 6
    Add the spinach, stirring constantly until the spinach starts to wilt. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until smooth. Stir in the cooked pasta. Top with the roasted tomatoes.

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