Skillet Macaroni And Cheese With Tomatoes
Creamy skillet macaroni and cheese with fresh tomatoes and scallions offers comforting flavors with a hint of spice, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk milk and cornstarch in a medium-size nonstick saucepan until blended.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Stir in mustard, salt and hot pepper sauce until blended.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, 1 minute or until thickened.
- Stir in cheeses until melted.
- Stir in macaroni, tomatoes and scallions; heat through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cheese instead of reduced-fat cheese. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder. You can also substitute the scallions with chives or shallots for a milder taste. For a twist, incorporate some cooked bacon or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, similar to other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Skillet Macaroni and Cheese with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, try topping it with breadcrumbs and broiling until golden brown, creating a delightful crunchy topping that adds texture to the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Macaroni And Cheese With Tomatoes contains roughly 105 calories, with 7g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2939mg per serving (128% 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 macaroni and cheese gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, such as sauces or spices, are also gluten-free. The cooking process remains the same, and the flavor will be just as delicious!
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can enhance this dish by adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just mix in the protein of your choice when combining the macaroni, tomatoes, and scallions for a satisfying meal that’s packed with nutrition.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want to add more heat, consider increasing the amount of hot pepper sauce or adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Another option is to incorporate pepper jack cheese instead of the reduced-fat cheese, which will give your Skillet Macaroni and Cheese an extra kick!
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).