Macaroni Italiano
Get ready to indulge in the comforting flavors of **Macaroni Italiano**, a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s packed with Italian-inspired goodness. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an irresistible dish featuring tender macaroni coated in a rich tomato and cream sauce, infused with garlic, onions, oregano, and basil for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of shredded mozzarella and finished with fragrant fresh basil, this baked pasta is pure comfort food at its finest. Ready in just 45 minutes, this family-friendly meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it warm, paired with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate Italian dining experience! **Keywords**: creamy macaroni, Italian pasta bake, cheesy comfort food, quick weeknight dinner, baked macaroni recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 400 grams crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10 pieces fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce become creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and enhance the sauce.
Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your Macaroni Italiano!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
713 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.7 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.7 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 60 mg | 20% | |
| Sodium | 875 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.5 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.1 g | ||
| Protein | 26.4 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 370 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 540 mg | 11% | |
*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.
