Fiery Tomato-Basil Mac and Cheese
Minutes Prep time: 50
Minutes Total time: 70
Servings: 16
Difficulty: Advanced
Minutes Prep time: 50
Minutes Total time: 70
Servings: 16
Difficulty: Advanced
PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
1 pkg (16 oz each) dry elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cans (14.5 oz each) Hunt's® Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 cup packed fresh sweet basil, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1/2 cup = 1 stick)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
5 cups whole milk
4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Basil leaves for garnish, optional
Nutrition information
Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calcium | 372 mg | 37% |
Carbohydrate | 42 g | 14% |
Cholesterol | 63 mg | 21% |
Total Fat | 24 g | 36% |
Iron | 2 mg | 13% |
Calories | 452 kcal | 23% |
Sodium | 940 mg | 39% |
Protein | 17 g | 35% |
Saturated Fat | 13 g | 66% |
Sugars | 6 g | 1% |
Vitamin C | 2 mg | 4% |
Prepare Mac and Cheese: Preheat oven to 400°F; spray 15x10-inch (4-quart) casserole dish with cooking spray. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and place in large bowl. Add undrained tomatoes and basil. Stir to combine; set aside.
For sauce, melt 1/2 cup butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour; continue whisking over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes or until flour mixture (roux) is browned. Add salt; gradually whisk in milk until combined. Constantly whisk sauce 10 to 12 minutes or until it thickens and begins to simmer.
Remove from heat; add Cheddar cheese. Gently mix until completely melted. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni mixture; stir to combine. Pour into prepared dish.
Prepare Topping: Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and 4 tablespoons butter. Spoon evenly over top of macaroni mixture. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until top is golden brown. Garnish with basil leaves, if desired.
If a large rectangular casserole dish is not available, divide the macaroni mixture and crumb topping between 2 smaller baking dishes, such as an 8x8-inch and a 13x9-inch baking dish.
Fiery Tomato-Basil Mac and Cheese