Italian Mac N Cheese

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Italian Mac N Cheese, a decadent twist on the classic comfort food. This irresistible baked pasta dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety trio of Italian cheeses—Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone—infused with fragrant garlic and a touch of Italian seasoning. Topped with crispy, golden panko breadcrumbs and a hint of olive oil, this casserole-style recipe bakes to perfection in just 15-20 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and brimming with bold, cheesy goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant finish that will leave your guests yearning for seconds. A must-try for mac and cheese lovers searching for an Italian-inspired twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1997.6 grams (1997.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5234

Total Fat 277.60g	356%
Saturated Fat 153.90g	770%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 788mg	263%
Sodium 6787mg	295%
Total Carbohydrate 451.30g	164%
Dietary Fiber 19.30g	69%
Total Sugars 61.00g
Protein 206.80g	414%

Vitamin D 346IU	1731%
Calcium 4249mg	327%
Iron 23mg	128%
Potassium 1438mg	31%

*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: 48.7%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 35.2%