Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni
Creamy and cheesy Italian-inspired macaroni layered with tomatoes and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, perfect for cozy family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 0.5 to 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 0.5 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella ⓘ
- 0.5 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 2-quart round casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt; stir until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan; stir until cheeses melt and sauce is smooth.
- Layer cooked macaroni, drained diced tomatoes, and cheese sauce in the prepared dish. Repeat layers as needed.
- In a small bowl, combine shredded Mozzarella and bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Spray with cooking spray.
- Bake covered for about 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider using whole milk or adding a splash of heavy cream. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or substitute pepper jack cheese for some of the Cheddar. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. To enhance flavors, consider adding sautéed garlic or onions to the cheese sauce for added depth, similar to what you'd find in Gnocchi With Fontina Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Focaccia(Genoan Flat Bread) for a delightful Italian-themed dinner. For added freshness, top the dish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni contains roughly 809 calories, with 16g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1429mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture ahead of time. Assemble the layers in the casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just remove from the fridge and follow the baking instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
If you want a different flavor profile, you can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or a sharp white cheese for a more gourmet taste. For a milder flavor, consider using Monterey Jack. Mixing different cheeses can also create a more complex flavor, similar to what you'd find in traditional Italian recipes.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Ensure that the pasta you use is egg-free to maintain its vegetarian status. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the layers for added nutrition and flavor, making it even more aligned with vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).