Macaroni And Cheese Italian Style
Italian-style macaroni and cheese combines the comforting creaminess of ricotta and Parmesan cheeses with a rich tomato sauce. Aromatic herbs and a savory blend of vegetables enhance the dish, making it a hearty, flavorful option perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion, chopped celery, and garlic in oil until soft; remove garlic.
- Add tomato puree, water, black pepper, oregano, and basil; bring to a boil and then simmer slowly for 1 hour.
- In an 8 x 8 x 2-inch shallow baking dish, put a thin layer of the tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and top with half of the cooked and drained macaroni.
- Spread the Ricotta cheese over the macaroni layer.
- Cover with some of the remaining sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Add the remaining macaroni and the last of the sauce on top.
- Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F until heated through and cheese is golden, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a bit of heavy cream with the Ricotta cheese. You can substitute the Ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option. If you're short on time, use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the tomato puree from scratch. Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Macaroni and Cheese Italian Style alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Creme Cake for dessert, making it a great choice for family gatherings or potlucks. Drizzle a bit of olive oil or balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, around 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the top from browning too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni And Cheese Italian Style contains roughly 745 calories, with 20g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% 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 casserole a day in advance. Assemble it as directed, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will help it cook evenly.
What can I use instead of tomato puree?
If you don't have tomato puree, crushed tomatoes or even a good-quality marinara sauce can be used as a substitute. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning to your taste, as pre-made sauces may vary in flavor and salt content.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Macaroni and Cheese Italian Style is a vegetarian recipe. However, ensure that the Parmesan cheese used is vegetarian-friendly, as some brands may use animal rennet in their production. This dish is a hearty option for meatless meals.
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).