Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be made with an Italian twist. This dish is loaded with cheesy, herbaceous flavours and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The Italian version of macaroni and cheese is made with a variety of Italian cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and fontina, and is often topped with crispy breadcrumbs. The pasta is typically cooked al dente and smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, resulting in a decadent and indulgent meal. This dish can be served as a vegetarian main course or side dish, and can also be paired with meats such as fried chicken or meatloaf, and vegetables like garlic Brussels sprouts or lemon broccoli.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the pasta
When it comes to choosing the pasta for your Italian macaroni and cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to use a high-quality, short pasta. High-quality pasta can be identified by its lighter, tan colour, which indicates that it is made with quality semolina and dried at low temperatures.
Secondly, consider the shape of the pasta. Elbow pasta is the traditional choice for macaroni and cheese, but you can also use other shapes with hollows or crannies that are perfect for absorbing the cheesy sauce. Farfalle, shells, penne, small penne, rotini, macaroni, and small shells are all great options. Whole wheat or regular pasta will work equally well.
Additionally, don't overcook your pasta. You want it to be al dente so that it doesn't become too soft and mushy. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, and be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
Finally, if you're making a baked version of macaroni and cheese, keep in mind that the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so it's especially important to avoid overcooking it on the stovetop. Aim for a slightly firmer texture than you might otherwise prefer, as this will help ensure the pasta doesn't turn to mush during baking.
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Making the cheese sauce
To make the cheese sauce, start by melting some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. You can use olive oil instead of butter if you prefer. Next, add flour and stir until smooth. Keep stirring until the flour is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. You can use all-purpose flour or corn starch to thicken the sauce. Then, gradually pour in the milk and whisk to combine. You can use dairy or non-dairy milk, depending on your preference. Heat the mixture and keep whisking until it thickens. You can add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.
Now it's time to add the cheese. You can use a combination of Italian cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, fontina, or taleggio. Freshly grated parmesan is recommended. Slowly add the cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until it melts. You can also add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Keep in mind that the sauce may seem thick, but it will thin out once the pasta is added.
If you want an even creamier sauce, you can toss the cooked macaroni and cheese together in a salad bowl before transferring it to a baking dish. This step will ensure that the cheese sauce coats the pasta evenly. You can also add some cubed provolone cheese on top of the pasta before baking to create a crispy, cheesy topping.
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Combining the pasta and sauce
When your pasta is cooked, drain it, but don't rinse it. The extra water will help the sauce stick to the pasta and thin it out a little.
Next, add the cooked pasta to your cheese sauce. The sauce may seem very thick, but don't worry, it will settle as the pasta sits in it. Stir the pasta and sauce together to ensure all the pasta is coated.
At this point, you can serve the dish as a simple stovetop macaroni and cheese. However, if you want to add a crunchy topping, this is your next step.
Mix your chosen breadcrumbs with melted butter, parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the pasta and sauce. Broil for 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to ensure even browning. If the breadcrumbs aren't toasting evenly, use a spoon to distribute them.
And there you have it—a delicious, creamy, and crunchy Italian macaroni and cheese!
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Adding meat and vegetables
When adding meat to your Italian macaroni and cheese, a meaty tomato-based sauce such as bolognese is a popular choice. This can be made with ground beef, garlic, crushed tomatoes or passata, and herbs such as basil and oregano. You can also add meat to your dish by including fried chicken or meatloaf as a side dish.
If you are a bacon lover, you may want to consider adding bacon bits to your macaroni and cheese. However, it is important to note that bacon does not always pair well with other ingredients, and it may ruin the taste of your dish. As an alternative, guanciale is a more traditional ingredient that will give your macaroni and cheese an authentic Italian flavor.
When adding vegetables to your Italian macaroni and cheese, you can include fresh or frozen green vegetables such as peas, asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, kale, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and tomatoes. You can also add spices and herbs such as garlic, basil, oregano, and Italian seasoning, which consists of herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
To prepare your vegetables, you can par-boil them before baking, or throw them into the pan after a few minutes of boiling your pasta to let them bubble along with it. You can also include them in your cheese sauce by making a roux with flour and butter, whisking in milk to make a thick sauce, and then whisking in your vegetables.
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Baking and serving
The baking instructions for your Italian macaroni and cheese will vary depending on the specific recipe you are following. Most recipes involve baking the dish in the oven for around 25 to 40 minutes at a temperature of around 180°C to 350°F. However, some recipes call for broiling the dish for just 5 to 10 minutes to create a crispy topping without drying out the pasta.
To prepare your macaroni and cheese for baking, first, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This will ensure that your pasta does not become too soft after baking. While the pasta is cooking, prepare your cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and gradually adding milk and your chosen cheese. You can also add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If you are including meat such as pancetta, bacon bits, or guanciale, cook this separately and set it aside before adding it to the cheese sauce.
Once your pasta and sauce are ready, combine them and mix well. If you are creating layers, spread a layer of cheese sauce in a greased baking pan, followed by layers of pasta, tomatoes, and more cheese sauce. Repeat these layers and top with mozzarella cheese. If you are using breadcrumbs, combine them with butter, parmesan, and other seasonings and sprinkle this mixture over the top.
After baking, let your macaroni and cheese stand for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it as a main course or a side dish. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days or freeze them for up to 6 months. When reheating, you can use a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk/cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need pasta, butter, milk, cheese, and Italian seasoning. You can also add breadcrumbs, meat, and vegetables.
Elbow pasta is the pasta of choice for this dish, but you can also use any small or medium pasta with hollows or other distinctive shapes, such as farfalle, shells, or penne.
Bake the macaroni and cheese for 25 to 40 minutes at 180°C or 356°F.
