Italian Mac Cheese a Tuscan Twist

Tuscan Italian Mac Cheese My Easy Family Favorite

By Chef BakerSeptember 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something cheesy and comforting, but with a little oomph ? This Italian Mac and Cheese is just that! It’s cheesy goodness meets sun-dried tomato heaven.

Honestly, it's the best of both worlds, innit?

Brief Overview

This pasta casserole recipe gives a Tuscan twist to the classic mac n cheese recipe . It’s relatively easy, taking about 45 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for a family meal or a cheeky gathering with mates.

Main Benefits

Let’s be real, cheese is life. This cheesy pasta dish is packed with calcium. This Italian comfort food is ideal for a cozy night in or even a potluck.

What makes it special? The vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil elevate this dish beyond your average mac and cheese sauce .

Discovering Italian Mac & Cheese

So, you fancy a mac n cheese recipe but crave something a bit extra ? Well, Italian Mac and Cheese is the answer.

It's baked macaroni and cheese meets Tuscan sunshine. Trust me, it's a game changer.

A Twist on a Classic

Think of this as the Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe you never knew you needed. Forget bland and boring. The sun-dried tomatoes give it a sweet and tangy kick.

Basil adds that fresh, herby flavor we all love. It's perfect for easy weeknight dinners .

Why You'll Love This Dish

Okay, so why should you bother making this? Firstly, it's dead easy. Secondly, it’s a crowd pleaser. Everyone loves a good cheesy pasta bake, right? Plus, the Sun-Dried Tomato Mac and Cheese brings something fresh to the table.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, let's talk ingredients for our Italian Mac and Cheese . This Cheesy Pasta is proper lush, honestly! This is not just any Mac N Cheese Recipe ! This Pasta Casserole is going to be amazing.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Elbow macaroni: 450g (1 lb) is what you need. Don't overcook it!
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Use good quality stuff, it makes a difference.
Butter: 60g (4 tablespoons) . Unsalted is best.
Flour: 60g (1/2 cup) , all-purpose. It helps thicken the Mac And Cheese Sauce .
Milk: 950ml (4 cups) . Whole milk makes it extra creamy.
Cream cheese: 225g (8 oz) , softened. This is key for that proper creamy texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes: 115g (1/2 cup) , oil-packed and chopped. They add a Tuscan Mac and Cheese twist. Quality sun-dried tomatoes are plump and have a vibrant color.
Parmesan cheese: 60g (1/2 cup) grated, plus extra for topping. Freshly grated is best; none of that pre-shredded nonsense, alright?
Fresh basil: 30g (1/4 cup) , chopped. Adds a lovely freshness to this Sun-Dried Tomato Mac and Cheese .

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

I love the Sun-Dried Tomato Mac and Cheese version.

Dijon mustard: 1 tsp (5ml) , adds a bit of tang.
Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Don't overdo it!
Salt and pepper: To taste. Season generously! This is the Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe , so the pepper is necessary to add some contrast!

For an extra kick, a pinch of chili flakes is great!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Large pot: For boiling the pasta. Makes the entire Italian Comfort Food easy.
Colander: For draining the pasta. Obviously!
Large saucepan: For making the Mac And Cheese Sauce .
9x13 inch baking dish: For baking the whole shebang! Or a large oven safe pan.

If you don't have a baking dish, a large oven safe skillet will do. Also, using a rubber spatula is essential, you need one for proper mixing and scraping.

Honestly, you don’t need any fancy equipment. This Easy Weeknight Dinners recipe is all about simplicity. Now, let’s get cooking! This Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is amazing.

Italian Mac & Cheese: From My Kitchen to Yours

Okay, so you know how much I love a good Italian comfort food ? Well, forget your diet because we're diving headfirst into a bowl of Italian Mac and Cheese ! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill mac n cheese recipe .

Trust me, this cheesy pasta is next level delicious. It's like your favorite baked macaroni and cheese , but with a Tuscan twist.

Honestly, once you try this, you'll never go back!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First things first, let's get organized. This will make your life so much easier. Chop your 115g sun-dried tomatoes, mince your 30g fresh basil and grate 60g Parmesan.

Get that pasta water boiling and preheat the oven to 175° C/ 350° F . It is so important to have everything ready before you start cooking, trust me.

It saves time and stress!

step-by-step to Cheesy Heaven

Cook 450g macaroni al dente in salted water. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Melt 60g butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 60g flour for 1 minute (that’s your roux!).
Gradually whisk in 950ml milk until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Stir in 225g cream cheese, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Season to taste.
Add the 115g sun-dried tomatoes, 60g Parmesan, and 30g basil. This is where the Tuscan Mac and Cheese magic happens.
Combine pasta and mac and cheese sauce ! Get every noodle coated.
Pour into a baking dish and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden brown. That Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe will be the perfect finisher.

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen

Want to elevate your Easy Weeknight Dinners ? Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is the key. Honestly, slightly undercooking it ensures it doesn't become mushy in the oven.

Also, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded stuff often has cellulose in it, which can affect how well it melts. It is really critical to have a homogeneous Cheesy Pasta .

If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it's too thin, simmer it a bit longer.

Easy peasy! If you're feeling fancy, add panko breadcrumbs on top for some crunch. You know? It's your kitchen, your rules!

Recipe Notes for Your Italian Mac and Cheese

Alright, so you're about to whip up some amazing Italian Mac and Cheese . Honestly, this pasta casserole recipe is a real winner.

But before you dive in, let's chat about some tips and tricks I've learned along the way. You know, the stuff that makes all the difference.

Serving up Some Deliciousness

Okay, so the plating is key. I mean, we eat with our eyes first, right? For a fancy feel, serve individual portions in cute ramekins.

Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe . It looks super impressive, and it's effortless.

And, as for complementary sides , a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio? Perfetto!

Storage Secrets for Your Cheesy Pasta

So, you've got leftovers? Lucky you! The refrigeration guidelines are simple: pop the Italian Mac and Cheese into an airtight container and it'll keep happily for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Want to freeze it? Go for it! Freezing this Baked Macaroni and Cheese is surprisingly simple. Just portion it out and freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months .

To reheat , thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven at 175° C until heated through and bubbly.

You might need to add a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry.

Mix It Up: Variations on a Theme

Fancy a change? Let's tweak this Mac N Cheese Recipe . Need a dietary adaptation ? Easy. Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for a creamy, cheesy pasta that everyone can enjoy.

Wanna be seasonal ? In autumn, roasted butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness and color. Honestly, this Tuscan Mac and Cheese or Sun-Dried Tomato Mac and Cheese" is totally adaptable to what you fancy or have in the fridge.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Let's break down the basics of the Italian Comfort Food . Each serving contains roughly 550 calories, 25g protein, 30g fat, and 50g carbs.

But honestly, it's all about the happiness factor, isn't it? And this recipe delivers. The cream cheese provides a good dose of calcium.

So there you have it. All my best tips for nailing this Italian Mac and Cheese . This Easy Weeknight Dinners recipe is sure to become a family favourite.

Now go get cooking, and don't forget to have fun. Honestly, you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to store leftover Italian Mac and Cheese?

To keep your Italian Mac and Cheese tasting great, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to help restore the creamy texture and prevent it from drying out nobody wants a sad, dry mac!

Can I make this Italian Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Italian Mac and Cheese up to a day in advance. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it's starting cold.

What kind of pasta is best for Italian Mac and Cheese?

Elbow macaroni is a classic choice because its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to experiment! Penne, shells, or even cavatappi would work well too. Just make sure you cook the pasta al dente; slightly undercooked so it doesn't get mushy when baked nobody likes soggy pasta!

Are there any variations I can try to spice up my Italian Mac and Cheese?

You bet! This recipe is just a starting point. Stir in some cooked pancetta or prosciutto for a salty, savory twist. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add a lovely layer of flavor and nutrition. And for a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. It's your kitchen, be the boss!

Is there a way to make Italian Mac and Cheese healthier?

You can definitely make it a bit lighter! Try using whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Substitute some of the whole milk with skim milk or unsweetened almond milk, but be aware it might slightly affect the creaminess.

And load it up with veggies for extra nutrients, like adding spinach or mushrooms to the sauce - Popeye would be proud!

My Italian Mac and Cheese sauce is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

Ah, the Goldilocks problem! If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little extra milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer the sauce over low heat for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens up. Patience is a virtue, my friend!