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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
92% would make again
Total Time

50 minutes

50 min

Prep Time

15 minutes

15 min

Cook Time

35 minutes

35 min

Caprese Mac ‘N’ Cheese
Total Time

50 minutes

50 min

Prep Time

15 minutes

15 min

Cook Time

35 minutes

35 min

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 1194
  • Fat 59g
  • Carbs 102g
  • Fiber 1g
  • Sugar 12g
  • Protein 57g

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!
  11. Cook smarter, not harder. Use our AI chef Botatouille on the Tasty app. Download now.

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Caprese Mac ‘N’ Cheese