Macaroni and Cheese Arrabiata

Elevate your comfort food game with this bold and flavorful Macaroni and Cheese Arrabiata recipe! This irresistible fusion dish combines the creamy decadence of classic mac and cheese with the spicy kick of arrabiata sauce, creating a dish that’s equal parts comforting and exciting. Al dente macaroni is tossed in a luscious cheddar and parmesan cheese sauce, then swirled with a robust homemade arrabiata sauce made with garlic, red chili flakes, and crushed tomatoes. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection and topped with fresh basil, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or whenever you’re craving a comforting meal with a spicy twist. Quick to prepare and serving up to four, this crowd-pleaser delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Search no further for a mac and cheese upgrade—it’s time to spice things up!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams macaroni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters milk (warm)
• 200 grams cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 50 grams parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the arrabiata sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the warm milk while continuously whisking to create a smooth sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 6

Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the white sauce and stir until melted and creamy. Mix in the grated parmesan cheese.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni pasta, cheese sauce, and arrabiata sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until bubbling and slightly browned on the top.

Step 11

Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1679.8 grams (1679.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3497

Total Fat 159.70g	205%
Saturated Fat 85.00g	425%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 390mg	130%
Sodium 5147mg	224%
Total Carbohydrate 379.90g	138%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 53.90g
Protein 146.40g	293%

Vitamin D 305IU	1525%
Calcium 2828mg	217%
Iron 13mg	70%
Potassium 3354mg	71%

*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: 40.6%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 42.9%