Tomato Mac `N' Cheese
Creamy tomato mac 'n' cheese combines rich cheeses with tangy diced tomatoes for a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c flour ⓘ
- 2 c milk
- 1 1/4 c chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 tsp dry mustard ⓘ
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 cans diced tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 c Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 c Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 2/3 c Parmesan cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 4 green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb penne pasta, cooked ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until pale gold.
- Gradually whisk in milk, chicken broth, dry mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Increase heat to medium and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in drained diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Stir 2 cups of the cheese mixture, chopped green onions, and cooked penne pasta into the sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Broil for 8 to 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream along with the milk. If you want to reduce calories, you can substitute half of the cheese with a low-fat variety. For a twist, try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the mix. This dish also works well with gluten-free pasta if you're looking for alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tomato Mac 'N' Cheese alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Rice Almondine for a hearty family dinner. You can also top it with additional chopped green onions or fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy it as a comforting main dish or as a side to grilled meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Mac `N' Cheese contains roughly 376 calories, with 16g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value) and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1234mg per serving (54% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Blanch them to remove the skin, then chop and drain well before adding them to the sauce. About 4-5 medium fresh tomatoes should suffice for this recipe. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may add a different texture and flavor profile compared to canned.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Additionally, ensure that your cheese choices are rennet-free if you're looking for a fully vegetarian dish. This way, you maintain the creamy goodness while catering to vegetarian diets.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time! Assemble the dish up to the broiling step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it uncovered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes before finishing with the broil to get that golden top.
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).