Herbed Macaroni Parmesan
Elevate your classic comfort food game with this Herbed Macaroni Parmesan recipe, a delightfully creamy dish that’s bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavor. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce that’s infused with finely chopped parsley, basil, and a hint of garlic powder for a gourmet touch. A velvety roux forms the base of the sauce, creating a rich and luxurious texture that’s hard to resist. Want an extra crunch? Add a golden breadcrumb topping by broiling it to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet elegant pasta dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a heartwarming side to complement any main course. Garnish with more Parmesan or fresh herbs for a meal that feels as indulgent as it is effortless. Keywords: creamy macaroni parmesan, herbed pasta recipe, easy comfort food, Parmesan cheese sauce pasta.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
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. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown it.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the chopped parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate the herbs and seasonings.
Fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring it is evenly coated with the herbed cheese sauce.
If desired, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve hot and garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2097 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.2 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.4 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 4070 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 282.8 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.2 g | ||
| Protein | 95.8 g | 192% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 1541 mg | 119% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 916 mg | 19% | |
*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.
