Macaroni Italiano

Get ready to indulge in the comforting flavors of **Macaroni Italiano**, a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s packed with Italian-inspired goodness. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an irresistible dish featuring tender macaroni coated in a rich tomato and cream sauce, infused with garlic, onions, oregano, and basil for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of shredded mozzarella and finished with fragrant fresh basil, this baked pasta is pure comfort food at its finest. Ready in just 45 minutes, this family-friendly meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it warm, paired with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate Italian dining experience! **Keywords**: creamy macaroni, Italian pasta bake, cheesy comfort food, quick weeknight dinner, baked macaroni recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams macaroni pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 400 grams crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 10 pieces fresh basil leaves

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce become creamy.

Step 5

Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and enhance the sauce.

Step 6

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 7

Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly with golden spots.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Step 9

Serve warm and enjoy your Macaroni Italiano!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1306.5 grams (1306.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2851

Total Fat 111.50g	143%
Saturated Fat 51.80g	259%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 240mg	80%
Sodium 3932mg	171%
Total Carbohydrate 348.10g	127%
Dietary Fiber 22.90g	82%
Total Sugars 33.70g
Protein 103.70g	207%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1480mg	114%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 2363mg	50%

*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: 35.7%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 49.5%