Cozy Cook’s Tuscan Mac & Cheese – Creamy, Herby & Packed with Italian Comfort
Cozy Cook’s Tuscan Mac & Cheese is a luxurious blend of creamy cheese sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Italian herbs—all swirled into tender pasta for the ultimate comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. It’s rich, savory, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this dish elevates classic mac & cheese into something truly special. Serve it as a main or a decadent side—either way, it’s unforgettable.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Dutch oven or large skillet (for sauce)
- Whisk (for béchamel sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (if oven-finishing)
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Fontina (or Gruyère)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Build Sauce: Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, Fontina, and cream cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season & Enrich: Mix in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Stir until spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until fully coated.
- Optional Bake: Transfer to a baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and extra Parmesan, sprinkle on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- For protein: add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp.
- Make it lighter: use half-and-half instead of cream, and reduce cheese slightly.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for 1 day. Bake before serving.
- Low-carb option: Substitute pasta with cauliflower florets.