Caprese Mac ‘N’ Cheese
Elevate your mac 'n cheese game with this indulgent twist on a classic dish. The creamy pasta is filled with the flavors of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese, making it a perfect comfort food dish for any occasion.
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Set aside.
- 3
In a large cast-iron skillet, melt the butter over low heat until foamy. Add the flour and stir until completely smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- 4
While stirring, gradually add the milk and cook until the sauce is thickened, about 4 minutes. Season with the paprika, pepper, and salt.
- 5
Fold in the spinach and stir until wilted. Add 1½ cups (150 g) of shredded mozzarella and stir until completely melted.
- 6
Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat in the sauce.
- 7
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta, then top with the fresh mozzarella if using. Arrange the tomato slices on top.
- 8
Bake until browned and bubbling, about 25 minutes.
- 9
Top with basil before serving.
- 10
Enjoy!
Recipe from tasty.co
Comments
Ingredients delivered in ~45 min
via Instacart from 1,400+ stores
Ingredients (12)
- •1 lb elbow macaroni, uncooked
- •¼ cup unsalted butter, 1/2 stick
- •¼ cup all-purpose flour
- •3 ½ cups whole milk
- •¼ teaspoon paprika
- •1 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- •2 cups baby spinach
- •2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- •½ lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced, optional
- •3 small tomatoes, sliced
- •3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped