Herbed Macaroni Parmesan

Elevate your classic comfort food game with this Herbed Macaroni Parmesan recipe, a delightfully creamy dish that’s bursting with fresh, herbaceous flavor. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce that’s infused with finely chopped parsley, basil, and a hint of garlic powder for a gourmet touch. A velvety roux forms the base of the sauce, creating a rich and luxurious texture that’s hard to resist. Want an extra crunch? Add a golden breadcrumb topping by broiling it to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy yet elegant pasta dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a heartwarming side to complement any main course. Garnish with more Parmesan or fresh herbs for a meal that feels as indulgent as it is effortless. Keywords: creamy macaroni parmesan, herbed pasta recipe, easy comfort food, Parmesan cheese sauce pasta.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown it.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Add the chopped parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate the herbs and seasonings.

Step 6

Fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring it is evenly coated with the herbed cheese sauce.

Step 7

If desired, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 8

Serve hot and garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	950.8 grams (950.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2097

Total Fat 65.20g	84%
Saturated Fat 36.40g	182%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 186mg	62%
Sodium 4070mg	177%
Total Carbohydrate 282.80g	103%
Dietary Fiber 12.60g	45%
Total Sugars 36.20g
Protein 95.80g	192%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 1541mg	119%
Iron 13mg	73%
Potassium 916mg	19%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.9%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 53.8%