Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta of your choice, like penne or rotini. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk and dairy-free cheese substitutes. The sun-dried tomatoes can be swapped out for roasted red peppers if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour with a bit of warm milk to make a slurry.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the saucepan of milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of Tuscan flair.
This recipe allows for some creative freedom. Feel free to add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International