Tuscan Mac and Cheese
Tuscan Mac and Cheese is a gourmet twist on the beloved classic, combining creamy cheeses with vibrant herbs and fresh spinach. This rich, savory dish transports you straight to Italy with every bite. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, it’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux for about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add vegetable broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted; stir in spinach and basil until wilted.
- Combine pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil or Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg