Macaroni Cheese Italiano
Traditional mac and cheese infused with Italian flair—think Parmesan, oregano, or marinara. A hybrid of American and Italian comfort food.
Traditional mac and cheese infused with Italian flair—think Parmesan, oregano, or marinara. A hybrid of American and Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 3/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper 2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup meatless spaghetti sauce 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 cups fat-free milk
1 1/4 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
Method
Prepare pasta according to package directions until cooked but firm. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, saute the onion, celery and green pepper in oil until tender. Stir in spaghetti sauce, basil and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain macaroni; stir into sauce. Transfer to a 2-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and cayenne. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Pour over macaroni mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
