Cooks Creamy Tomato Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Cooks Creamy Tomato Mac and Cheese—a rich, velvety twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe. This dish pairs tender elbow macaroni with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all enveloped in a creamy tomato-infused sauce. A touch of smoked paprika and garlic powder elevates the flavor profile, while a garnish of fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing side dish. Whether you’re craving cozy vibes or looking to impress at the dinner table, this creamy tomato mac and cheese is an irresistible fusion of classic comfort and gourmet flair.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
Season the sauce with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
659 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.8 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.6 g | 113% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 111 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 962 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.9 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 27.9 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 613 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 281 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
