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Dinner 30 Minutes or Less Vegetarian Pasta Italian
4.6 from 37 votes

Italian Mac And Cheese

Jump to RecipeVideoPrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •11/13/22 9 Comments

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pin for italian mac and cheese.

Classic comfort food, with an Italian twist! This Italian Mac And Cheese is loaded with cheesy, herbaceous flavor and takes under 30 minutes to make! Penne noodles are smothered in a luscious mozzarella cheese sauce, spiked with Italian seasoning and parmesan.

closeup of italian mac and cheese in a white bowl with a big serving spoon.
Table of Contents Open
  • Super Easy Italian Style Mac And Cheese Recipe
  • Why You’ll Love This Italian Mac And Cheese
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Make Italian Mac And Cheese
  • What Type Of Pasta Can I Use?
  • What Else Can I Add?
  • Can I Make This In Advance?
  • Expert Tips
  • Storing Leftovers
    • Reheating
    • Freezing
  • Other Delicious Pasta Dishes To Try
  • Italian Mac And Cheese
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Super Easy Italian Style Mac And Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese, three words that bring music to my ears! I have made a plethora of variations over the years because I just can’t get enough, but this Italian Style Mac and Cheese is a new twist on an old favorite!

It’s creamy, it’s cheesy and it’s loaded with Italian flavor. This comfort food dish is ready in under 30 minutes and is a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation!

Simple, cheesy, utterly delicious. This mac and cheese is a must make! Made with a short list of simple, kitchen staples, this recipe could not get easier. It’s as simple as boiling your noodles, making a creamy cheese sauce and combining the two for an ultimate dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Mac And Cheese

  • Easy To Make
  • Unique Italian Twist On A Classic
  • Simple, Short Ingredient List
  • Takes Under 30 Minutes
  • Delicious Comfort Food

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make italian mac and cheese.
  • Pasta – I used penne noodles, use your preference!
  • Butter – I always use unsalted to control the sodium in the dish.
  • Flour – I used all-purpose flour to thicken the cheese sauce. For a gluten free option, use cornstarch.
  • Seasoning – Italian seasoning is a blend of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme & marjoram. If you don’t have all of them on hand, use a combination of what you have.
  • Milk – Dairy or non dairy will work.
  • Cheese – Shredded cheese! Mozzarella or provolone are great options for this Italian version, you can use any type of cheese you prefer.
  • Parmesan Cheese – I always recommend using freshly grated! You’ll notice I’m not adding any additional salt to this recipe and that’s because the Parmesan cheese has plenty of salt to it, so feel free to add some if you’d like.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – For an added kick. Use as much or as little as you like.

How To Make Italian Mac And Cheese

detailed process shots showing how to make italian mac and cheese.
  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large salted pot of boiling water according to package instructions, until al-dente. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
  2. Make Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and Italian seasoning and whisk. Cook for 2 minutes while whisking continuously.
  3. Finish Sauce: Add the milk and whisk until it thickens. Stir in the cheeses and whisk until well combined and smooth.
  4. Add Pasta: Add the penne to the pot and toss well making sure the pasta is fully covered in sauce.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes and serve.
overhead of italian mac and cheese in a dutch oven with a wooden spoon inside.

What Type Of Pasta Can I Use?

I prefer this recipe with penne noodles or small shaped pastas. Other great options are rotini, farfalle, shells, (elbow) macaroni, rigatoni, fusilli, and mafalda. The perfect vessels for carrying your silky sauce! You can use long shapes if you like, of course. Linguini, fettuccine, spaghetti, spaghettini; anything you like. It will all taste wonderful!

What Else Can I Add?

Feel free to incorporate any extra veggies, spices, herbs, garlic, cheese, etc. into this dish! You could also go ahead and add some protein like chicken, turkey, or sausage if you wish.

Can I Make This In Advance?

Absolutely! You can make this dish and freeze it for future meals. Keep in mind after cooked pasta freezes and thaws, it will become a bit softer in texture. Scroll down to “freezing” section for full instructions.

italian mac and cheese in a white bowl.

Expert Tips

  1. Use different variations of cheese to make this recipe to your liking.
  2. Play around with seasonings and spices. Most people have different palates, so season to your liking!
  3. Add chicken or turkey to the mac and cheese for extra protein.
  4. Don’t overcook your noodles! Cook to al dente so they don’t become too soft and squishy.

Storing Leftovers

Transfer your leftover Italian mac and cheese to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Reheating

Reheat either in the microwave, or on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir often and add a splash of water or milk/cream if you find the sauce is too thick.

Freezing

This Italian mac and cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely freeze it for future dinners. It will last up to 6 months stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind after cooked pasta freezes and thaws, it will become a bit softer in texture.

Let the mac and cheese thaw overnight in the fridge to make reheating easier and reduce the risk of breaking the pasta. If you find the sauce has separated a bit after thawing, the reheating and stirring will bring it back together.

closeup of italian mac and cheese in a white bowl with a big serving spoon.

Other Delicious Pasta Dishes To Try

  • Chicken Mac And Cheese
  • Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
  • Baked Mac and Cheese
  • Instant Pot Chili Mac
  • Baked Feta Pasta (Tik Tok Pasta)
  • Carbonara Mac And Cheese Soufflé

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

closeup of italian mac and cheese in a white bowl with a big serving spoon.
Print
4.60 from 37 votes

Italian Mac And Cheese

Prep 10 minutes
Cook 18 minutes
Total 28 minutes
Rate Recipe
Classic comfort food, with an Italian twist! This Italian Mac And Cheese is loaded with cheesy, herbaceous flavor and takes under 30 minutes to make! Penne noodles are smothered in a luscious mozzarella cheese sauce, spiked with Italian seasoning and parmesan.
6

Ingredients

  • 1 pound penne
  • ¼ cup butter (unsalted)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 cups cheese (shredded, such as mozzarella, provolone)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large salted pot of boiling water according to package instructions, until al-dente. Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
  • Make Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and Italian seasoning and whisk. Cook for 2 minutes while whisking continuously.
  • Finish Sauce: Add the milk and whisk until it thickens. Stir in the cheeses and whisk until well combined and smooth.
  • Add Pasta: Add the penne to the pot and toss well making sure the pasta is fully covered in sauce.
  • Garnish & Serve: Garnish with red pepper flakes and serve.

Equipment

  • 6 Quart Dutch Oven

Video

Notes

  1. Use different variations of cheese to make this recipe to your liking
  2. Play around with seasonings and spices. Most people have different palates, so season to your liking!
  3. Add chicken to the mac and cheese for extra protein.
  4. Don’t overcook your noodles! Cook to al dente so they don’t become too soft and squishy.
  5. Transfer your leftover Italian mac and cheese to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
  6. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely freeze it for future dinners. It will last up to 6 months stored in an airtight container. Keep in mind after cooked pasta freezes and thaws, it will become a bit softer in texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 713kcal (36%)Carbohydrates: 66g (22%)Protein: 33g (66%)Fat: 35g (54%)Saturated Fat: 21g (131%)Trans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 99mg (33%)Sodium: 661mg (29%)Potassium: 368mg (11%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 1128IU (23%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 729mg (73%)Iron: 2mg (11%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

closeup of italian mac and cheese in a white bowl with a big serving spoon.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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9 Comments
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Toni
Toni
Posted: 4 months ago

5 stars
I printed this recipe off long ago and finally made it last night and let me just say it is the bomb!!! I cut in half because there is only 2 of us and we still had some left overs, I love to try out different types of mac and cheese and this will definitely be in the rotation. Thanks for the great recipe!!!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Toni
Posted: 4 months ago

So glad you guys liked it!

0
Reply
JC
JC
Posted: 1 year ago

Mozarella and Provolone or either?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  JC
Posted: 1 year ago

Either will be just fine.

0
Reply
JC
JC
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 1 year ago

thanks!

0
Reply
Tinz
Tinz
Posted: 1 year ago

So creamy. You are an inspiration Jo

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Tinz
Posted: 1 year ago

Thank you!

0
Reply
Kevin
Kevin
Posted: 1 year ago

I’d love to try this recipe! Could you please advise as to whether I could substitute soya milk and vegetarian/vegan cheese for the dairy options? Thanks in advance!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Kevin
Posted: 1 year ago

I know the milk will be fine, I’m just not too familiar with those cheeses and not sure how they would melt.

0
Reply

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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