New Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy, cheesy tortellini baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests craving rich flavors and tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh cheese-filled tortellini ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cup skim milk ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- pinch of ground red pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dry bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat broiler.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions.
- Drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan; whisk in flour and cook until smooth and bubbly, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, then add crushed garlic, black pepper, and ground red pepper.
- Cook, stirring constantly until thickened and just beginning to boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir in cooked tortellini and chopped parsley.
- Transfer mixture to a shallow 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine remaining Cheddar cheese and bread crumbs; sprinkle evenly on top.
- Broil 4 inches from heat source for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot with a fresh salad.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese sauce. If you're out of sharp Cheddar, a mix of Gouda and Monterey Jack works well. For a bit of heat, diced jalapeños can be added. Be sure to whisk continuously when adding the milk to prevent lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This macaroni and cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside grilled chicken or as a side dish to the Holiday Breakfast Casserole. A light vinaigrette drizzled on the salad complements the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 628 calories, with 32g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (237% of the Daily Value), iron (205% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (161% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 552mg per serving (24% 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 use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While tortellini adds a unique twist, you can substitute it with elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tortellini and cheese sauce in advance, then combine them and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply add the topping and broil as directed for a quick and easy meal.
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).