Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Tomato Macaroni and Cheese, a rich and creamy twist on the classic recipe. This dish combines tender macaroni with a velvety, cheese-packed sauce made from tangy cheddar, nutty parmesan, and a touch of tomato paste for a subtle, savory depth. Tossed with canned diced tomatoes and a hint of garlic, the pasta bakes to perfection under a golden breadcrumb topping for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering, this baked macaroni dish is easy to prepare in just under an hour. Garnish with fresh basil for a vibrant, aromatic finish and serve it bubbling hot for a crowd-pleasing meal. Keywords: tomato macaroni and cheese, creamy pasta bake, cheesy comfort food, baked macaroni recipe, homemade mac and cheese.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz macaroni pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned and drained
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

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. Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1865.5 grams (1865.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4805

Total Fat 279.20g	358%
Saturated Fat 155.70g	778%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.20g
Cholesterol 743mg	248%
Sodium 7599mg	330%
Total Carbohydrate 406.80g	148%
Dietary Fiber 20.00g	71%
Total Sugars 52.60g
Protein 170.40g	341%

Vitamin D 263IU	1314%
Calcium 3264mg	251%
Iron 15mg	83%
Potassium 2544mg	54%

*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: 52.1%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 33.7%