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92% would make again

Caprese Mac ‘N’ Cheese

featured in 5 School Night Dinners To Make The Whole Family Happy

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.

Pierce Abernathy
Tasty Team
May 15, 2023
Caprese Mac ‘N’ Cheese

Ingredients

for 4 servings

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (455 g), uncooked
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (55 g), 1/2 stick
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
  • 3 ½ cups whole milk (840 mL)
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach (80 g)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (200 g), divided
  • ½ lb fresh mozzarella cheese (225 g), sliced, optional
  • 3 small tomatoes, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 831
  • Fat 28g
  • Carbs 103g
  • Fiber 16g
  • Sugar 14g
  • Protein 35g

Estimated values based on one serving size.

Preparation

  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!

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Caprese Mac ‘N’ Cheese