Craving a comforting dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen? Look no further than this Easy Italian Macaroni Cheese Dinner! With its creamy, cheesy goodness and a hint of marinara, this recipe is a delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese that will have your family asking for seconds. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare a large mixing bowl and set aside your shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and immediately add the marinara sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the pasta, stirring gently to help the cheese melt. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt and the flavors to combine.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni until it's al dente—this ensures a firm texture that holds up well against the creamy cheese sauce.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! While mozzarella and Parmesan are fantastic, adding a bit of cheddar or fontina can elevate the flavor profile even more.
- Marinara Magic: Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try making your own sauce for a fresh twist!
- Creamy Consistency: If your cheese mixture is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help achieve that luscious, creamy texture.
- Garnish for Greatness: A sprinkle of fresh basil or an extra layer of Parmesan on top before serving can add a beautiful touch and enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Add in some cooked veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or even cooked Italian sausage for a heartier meal that packs in more nutrition.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
