Macaroni Tomato and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Macaroni Tomato and Cheese recipe—a creamy, cheesy masterpiece with a tangy tomato twist. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, seamlessly blended with the vibrant flavor of diced tomatoes and aromatic notes of garlic and basil. This crowd-pleasing dish strikes a balance between classic mac and cheese and a hearty pasta bake, offering a quick and satisfying dinner ready in just 35 minutes. Ideal for family meals or potluck gatherings, this recipe serves up a rich, cheesy experience with a burst of tomato goodness that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups water

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the elbow macaroni, cooking according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 5

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juices, and mix well. Add the garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese and tomato mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2454.5 grams (2454.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2876

Total Fat 165.00g	212%
Saturated Fat 97.50g	488%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.20g
Cholesterol 482mg	161%
Sodium 5949mg	259%
Total Carbohydrate 218.40g	79%
Dietary Fiber 16.10g	58%
Total Sugars 43.10g
Protein 139.80g	280%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 3306mg	254%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 1630mg	35%

*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: 50.9%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 29.9%