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Creamy Tuscan Mac And Cheese Recipe That Will Melt Your Heart - Featured Image

Creamy Tuscan Mac And Cheese Recipe That Will Melt Your Heart

Learn how to make delicious Tuscan Mac And Cheese. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out that signature Tuscan flair. I always reach for fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil rather than dry—they add so much more depth and moisture. For the cheese, I love a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella to get that perfect melt and flavor balance. And of course, fresh garlic and a touch of Italian seasoning round everything out beautifully.

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes until it turns a pale golden color. This step is key to thickening your sauce without lumps.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent clumps. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens, stirring often.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Fold in the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped spinach, letting the residual heat wilt the spinach and infuse the sauce with their flavors.
  7. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan if using, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Tuscan Mac And Cheese, recipe, cooking, food