Macaroni Tomato and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Macaroni Tomato and Cheese recipe—a creamy, cheesy masterpiece with a tangy tomato twist. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, seamlessly blended with the vibrant flavor of diced tomatoes and aromatic notes of garlic and basil. This crowd-pleasing dish strikes a balance between classic mac and cheese and a hearty pasta bake, offering a quick and satisfying dinner ready in just 35 minutes. Ideal for family meals or potluck gatherings, this recipe serves up a rich, cheesy experience with a burst of tomato goodness that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups water
Instructions
In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the elbow macaroni, cooking according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juices, and mix well. Add the garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese and tomato mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
723 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.9 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.8 g | 124% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 118 mg | 39% | |
| Sodium | 1390 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.9 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.9 g | ||
| Protein | 34.7 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 837 mg | 64% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 449 mg | 10% | |
*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.
