Description
A creamy and comforting Italian twist on classic mac and cheese featuring penne pasta tossed in a rich cheese sauce with mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and a hint of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound penne
Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups shredded cheese (such as mozzarella, provolone, or a mix)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning, and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flavor of the flour and build a roux base.
- Finish Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheese mixture and freshly grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add Pasta: Add the drained penne to the cheese sauce, tossing well to coat all of the pasta evenly in the sauce. Let it cook together for another minute so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce’s flavor.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the Italian mac and cheese to a serving bowl or plate. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes as garnish and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a truly melty and flavorful cheese sauce.
- Rinsing pasta briefly stops the cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
