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italian macaroni and cheese

clownman70360 avatar
Recipe by
raymond spencer
@clownman70360
st bernard, LA

You've got to try this new macaroni and cheese recipe! It's filled with sun dried tomatoes and basil. One bite and your tastebuds will love the flavor of Italy.

yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 5 Min
cook time 35 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For italian macaroni and cheese

  • 2 c
    chopped sun dried tomatoes, divided
  • 2 c
    shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 8 oz
    large elbow macaroni
  • 1 c
    refrigerated basil pesto
  • 5 Tbsp
    margarine
  • 5 Tbsp
    all purpose flour
  • 3 c
    milk
  • 4 Tbsp
    cream cheese, softened
  • 1 c
    shredded colby jack cheese
  • 1 c
    shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tsp
    chopped fresh basil
  • 3/4 c
    grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make italian macaroni and cheese

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Add 1 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes and 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; mix well.
  • 2
    Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 - 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Transfer macaroni into large bowl, add basil pesto, and mix together until blended. Set aside.
  • 3
    In a medium saucepan, melt margarine and stir in flour to make a roux. Cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly, then whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Mix in cream cheese and remaining chopped sun dried tomatoes and stir frequently until the sauce is thickens.
  • 4
    Remove from heat and stir in colby jack, sharp cheddar, remaining Parmesan cheese and the basil. Combine pesto macaroni mixture and stir well.
  • 5
    Pour into a prepared baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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