Italian Three-Cheese Macaroni

What if you could combine a trip to Italy with your favorite comfort food? That kind of curiosity led to this Italian mac and cheese (noting that no plane trip is required; this can easily be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home). This Italian mac and cheese recipe delights an older audience.  If you want to cook a gourmet dinner for one or impress a dinner party and still win the stamp of approval from kiddos, this is your go-to.  

This Italian-style mac and cheese nods to the land of la dolce vita with the addition of tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Don’t worry, the cheese remains the true star of the show. 

Italian Mac and Cheese Ingredients  

• Elbow macaroni: It’s the classic choice for mac and cheese for a reason. Its shape lets it best soak up the cheese sauce (so every bite is equally cheesy), and the hollows result in air pockets that help balance the dish’s richness. 
• Butter: The butter combines with the flour to make a roux, helping create a rich, thick cheese sauce.
• All-purpose flour: You’ll want to use all-purpose flour because it has the ideal amount of protein to make the cheese sauce. 
• Italian seasoning: Helping put the “Italian” in “Italian mac and cheese,” this seasoning consists of herbs and spices, like oregano, rosemary and thyme. You can also make Italian seasoning at home.
• 2% milk: Milk provides the liquid for the sauce, helping it stay nice and creamy. Whole milk will also work here if that’s what you have available, though it may make the dish creamier.
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts well and provides a sharper flavor that cuts through some of the creaminess. Exactly how creamy your mac and cheese turns out depends on the strength of your cheddar. The less sharp, the creamier it will be. 
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds salty and nutty flavors to the cheese sauce for greater depth and complexity. Ideally, use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. 
• Canned tomatoes: Making up some of the layers of this dish, tomatoes provide sweetness and acidity to balance the cheese sauce and add an unexpected zing to a typical mac and cheese recipe.
• Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is a critical cheese to include because it has pull and stretch. Just make sure to watch your quantities here, adding too much makes the dish too stringy.
• Bread crumbs: Part of the topping, bread crumbs will add a nice crunch to the soft pasta and cheese.

Directions    

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Cook macaroni according to the package’s directions.

Editor’s Tip: Since the pasta will continue to be cooked in the oven, aim for al dente so it doesn’t become too soft.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

While the pasta is cooking, preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth. Then gradually add the milk and bring the sauce to a boil. Cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until they’re melted. Drain the macaroni.

Editor’s Tip: You want the pasta hot for the next step. 

Step 3: Make your layers 

Spread 1 cup of cheese sauce in a greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Layer it with half of the macaroni, tomatoes and cheese sauce. Repeat the layers. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Combine the bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle this over top.

Step 4: Bake your mac and cheese 

Cover the dish and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer, until the dish is golden brown and bubbly. Let it stand for five minutes before serving.

Italian Mac and Cheese Variations

• Don’t chicken out: To make this Italian mac and cheese recipe a little heartier and protein-filled, add chicken (you could use rotisserie to cut down on prep time) to the layers.

• Add garlic goodness: For extra flavor, add some garlic powder to the cheese sauce. A powder will distribute more evenly here than minced garlic.

• Try a savory showstopper: Give this mac and cheese an umami kick by putting pancetta on top. While “less” Italian, you can also sprinkle on bacon bits.

• Get spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to your cheese sauce. It’ll add a nice little kick while accentuating the cheesy flavors. 

 How to Store Italian Mac and Cheese

You can store this dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. 

Can you freeze Italian mac and cheese?

Yes. Freezing your Italian mac and cheese is a great way to make sure you don’t waste leftovers. It’s also a great solution for meal preppers. This dish will last for three months in the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Note that the pasta will soften after thawing and reheating.

Italian Mac and Cheese Tips

Can I use pasta types other than elbow macaroni?

While elbow is the pasta of choice for this Italian mac and cheese bake, you can mix it up. We recommend using pasta with hollows or other distinctive shapes, like hollows or crannies perfect for absorbing the cheesy sauce. Think farfalle, shells or penne.

What can I serve with Italian baked mac and cheese?

Try serving this dish with hearty meats like fried chicken or meatloaf. And don’t forget your veggies! We love it with garlic Brussels sprouts or lemon broccoli. 

What should I use if I don’t have canned tomatoes?

You can use stewed or fresh tomato in place of canned. We prefer canned when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season because they’re typically stored at peak ripeness and flavor.