Savor the comforting flavors of Tomato Macaroni Cheese, a delightful twist on the classic baked pasta dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness and the bright tang of tomato. Perfectly cooked macaroni is coated in a luscious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, then layered with a rich tomato-garlic mixture enhanced by aromatic Italian seasoning. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs for added texture, this hearty casserole is baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pan crowd-pleaser is ideal for cozy family dinners or easy entertaining. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Set aside.
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
Combine the cooked macaroni, tomato sauce, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top of the pasta mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if using) before serving.
Calories |
3200 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 164.4 g | 211% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.4 g | 437% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 421 mg | 140% | |
| Sodium | 6072 mg | 264% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 303.2 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.2 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.6 g | ||
| Protein | 136.5 g | 273% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.9 mcg | 35% | |
| Calcium | 3054 mg | 235% | |
| Iron | 14.7 mg | 82% | |
| Potassium | 2862 mg | 61% | |
*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.