Nutrition Facts for Italian style mac n cheese

Italian Style Mac N Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food makeover with this Italian Style Mac N Cheese, a decadent blend of creamy cheeses and classic Italian flavors. This dish swaps traditional macaroni for tender penne pasta and features a rich, velvety sauce made from four Italian cheeses—Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta—perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder. Topped with a crunchy layer of golden panko breadcrumbs and finished with a garnish of fresh basil, this baked pasta dish is a symphony of textures and flavors. Ready in just about an hour, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings—bringing the taste of Italy straight to your table. Whether you're searching for a gourmet twist on mac and cheese or a new baked pasta favorite, this recipe promises to deliver cheesy perfection!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100
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Prep Time:20 mins
Cook Time:40 mins
Total Time:60 mins
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 450 grams Penne pasta
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 3 cups Whole milk
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1.5 cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Provolone cheese (shredded)
  • 0.5 cup Ricotta cheese
  • 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
  • 0.5 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 1 minute less than the package instructions recommend. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste of flour.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, and ricotta cheeses. Mix until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce, and stir to combine.

Step 7

Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 10

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving. Enjoy your Italian Style Mac N Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size 1957.2 grams (1957.2g)
Amount per serving % Daily Value*
Calories 4866
Total Fat 240.30g 308%
Saturated Fat 134.00g 670%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 690mg 230%
Sodium 8570mg 373%
Total Carbohydrate 430.90g 157%
Dietary Fiber 18.90g 68%
Total Sugars 39.40g
Protein 255.70g 511%
Vitamin D 346IU 1731%
Calcium 5746mg 442%
Iron 22mg 122%
Potassium 2646mg 56%
*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: 44.1%
Protein: 20.8%
Carbs: 35.1%