Description
Indulge in the creamy richness of Italian Mac and Cheese, a decadent twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines perfectly cooked penne rigate with a luscious blend of three cheeses and aromatic herbs for a truly comforting dish that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Sauce:
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 cup mozzarella (4 ounces; shredded)
- 1 cup fontina (4 ounces; shredded)
- 2 cups Parmigiano Reggiano (8 ounces; shredded)
- black pepper (to taste)
For Garnish:
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Stir in the kosher salt. Add the penne rigate and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Make the base of the sauce: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the herbs and cheese: Whisk in thyme, oregano, and basil. Remove from heat and add the three cheeses, whisking until melted and smooth.
- Combine the pasta and cheese sauce: Fold pasta into the cheese sauce, adding pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with breadcrumbs and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Italian, Mac and Cheese, Pasta, Comfort Food, Cheese Sauce
