You'll love this creamy Italian Mac and Cheese with cheddar, Parmesan, a hint of garlic and fresh basil! A delicious, stovetop meal ready in 25 minutes!
As of this week, I've been married to my hubby for exactly half of my life. That's 24 years of marriage, in case you're wondering.
You can read the crazy story of how we met in this Bucatini with Clams and White Wine post. And, if you're thinking I waltzed down the wedding aisle with all the cooking skills I possess today...hahaha!
No. Not even close.
I'm making up for it though. This Italian mac and cheese symbolizes how far I've come.
Speaking of which, it's time to tell you our "macaroni and cheese story." Also known as our "sewing class story." Yes, you read that right.
My hubby and I took a sewing class. Together. We were those newlyweds. I can't even.
Every Thursday, my hubby would pick me up from work in his sleek, black Probe. We carpooled daily, of course.
We'd rush home to have a quick dinner before heading out to sewing class. I always made boxed macaroni and cheese on those nights. Except, I added paprika to the recipe. You could just tell I'd be a food blogger someday.
My mother-in-law used to be a seamstress, so my hubby knew his way around a sewing machine. Mom, on the other hand, used to read a book hidden on her lap during sewing class in Italy. I couldn't sew a button.
But, I had high hopes for this adventure! I'd bought royal blue (my favorite color!) fabric to make a lovely, sheath dress that was going to look fabulous on me in the warmer months. My hubby went with white cotton to make himself a long-sleeved, button-down shirt.
He was the only guy in the class. Of course, the female instructor and all the other ladies were so excited. They fawned over him at every opportunity.
"You're so lucky!" they told me. "He's so good at this!"
And he was. He was whipping out a perfectly tailored shirt like a pro.
Meanwhile, I was struggling with a pile of scraps dotted with the occasional wayward seam. Seriously, it was like a drunk had gotten hold of my sewing machine. I was mortified.
And, while we'd first stepped into that class all lovey dovey, I became annoyed as the weeks went by.
"Look at him, over there like Betsy Ross," I'd mutter under my breath, along with a few choice words. I began to dread going to class.
But then! I got the perfect excuse to cop out, I mean, stop working on my sewing project.
"I'm pregnant!" I announced to the class one evening. "And, since I'll be huge during the summer, there's no point in continuing to work on this dress."
I wanted to let my classmates down easily. After their initial congratulations, they stared at me in awkward silence.
But, I had every intention to finish that dress! At some point. I kept the royal blue material in a bag in our basement...for nine years.
I even brought that sack of my incompetence to our new house, where it mocked me from my closet each time I walked by. Meanwhile, my hubby kept his homemade shirt hanging front and center in his closet, so I couldn't help but notice it every day. Ugh!
Finally, my hubby exerted some tough love. He's good at that too.
"Why don't you get rid of this bag?," he challenged me one day. "You know you're never going to do anything with it."
And, the once-proud competitor in me wanted to tell him he was wrong. But, the tired, working mom I'd become knew he was 100% right. I donated that material and felt such a weight lifted off me.
I'm good at some things. Sewing isn't one of them. (I still can't sew a button to save my life. And, I've been known to MacGyver a fallen hem with staples and masking tape.)
But, you guys, I can cook. Over the years, I graduated from boxed macaroni and cheese to this creamy Italian mac and cheese with cheddar, Parmesan, hints of garlic and basil. It's so delicious, and ready in 25 minutes.
And guess what? My hubby had to get rid of his obnoxiously perfect shirt.
It got tight on him.
Serve this mac and cheese with paprika sprinkled on top (trust me) and The Best Italian Green Salad with Homemade Dressing on the side for a great, meatless meal.
More pasta recipes to love
- Rotini Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Pasta al Forno with Smoked Mozzarella
- Creamy Walnut Sauce for Pasta
- Pasta e Piselli (Pasta with Peas)
Enjoy!
(Recipe Source: Cooking with Mamma C)
Italian Mac and Cheese (Stovetop)
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, elbows, or medium shells)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups 2% or whole milk
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 large basil leaves
- paprika for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pasta pot ⅔ full with hot water. Place your pot over high heat on your stove. Add a couple teaspoons of salt and cover the pot to let the water come to a boil.
- While your pot is heating, shred the cheddar and grate your Parmesan, if needed, by placing a few chunks at a time in your blender. Set your cheese aside.
- When your pot is boiling, add your pasta and give the pot a stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook your pasta until al dente (check it three minutes before the time listed on the package.)
- When your pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander in the sink and leave it there while you make your cheese sauce.
- In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt your butter over medium-high heat on your stove. Add in your flour and whisk to combine. Continue cooking and stirring the roux for about 90 seconds.
- Add your milk to the roux, whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the milk thickens and becomes glossy. This should take 3-4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add in your cheeses gradually, stirring after each addition until combined.
- Add your salt, pepper and garlic powder, stirring to combine. Cut up your basil leaves with kitchen scissors and add them to the cheese sauce. Turn off the heat.
- Return your cooked pasta to your pot with the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- Serve immediately for best results. Top with paprika, if desired. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat leftovers in the microwave with a little milk added, so it's not dry.
Joann
Bless you Andrea...by far the best homemade Mac & cheese recipe ever!!! Have tried so many different recipes and always bland or too heavy!
To quote Ben, “Wow Mom...this is the one!”
This blog is so fabulous...the pictures, stories, and ,
of course, these amazing recipes! I’m so happy for you and your success!!! ❤️😘
Mamma C
I'm so moved by your words, Joann. Thank you for your friendship and faith in me from day one. I'm so glad the mac and cheese was a hit! xo
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser
LOL A couple that sews together stays together Andrea! Love Mac 'n Cheese!
Mamma C
Haha! I've never actually sewed anything, but I do my best to keep us in stitches. 🙂
A_Boleyn
Am I the only one who's suspicious that you planned on your hubby not being able to wear that shirt of his any more ... by becoming such a good cook?
PS: I have an unfinished quilt that's been sitting in my attic for 25 yrs. At least I sewed the pieces together (by machine) with my slave driver girlfriend giving me my daily sewing assignment every day before she went to work. I went to visit her for 10 days with the fabric and materials in my suitcase. I came home with a finished top. The rest was up to me. 🙂
Mamma C
Haha! I'm sitting here holding my pinky to my mouth like Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers movie. And your unfinished quilt...at least you got the top done. 🙂
Melissa Novotny
My husband loved this and suggested I make it again (it's only been 4 days). My only change was I added some minced garlic and canned mushrooms. Very tasty and easy dish.
Mamma C
I'm so glad to hear that, Melissa! Mushrooms are a great addition, and you can't go wrong with minced garlic. Thanks for reporting back!
Angie Ohmann
That's a cute story, Betsy Ross hahahaha......
A few years ago my husband came home with a sewing machine, after he took a sewing class! I said, you what???? He is one of those people who need to learn everything.
Now I need to read the story of how you met 🙂
I'm going to try this pasta for sure , sounds yummmm!
Mamma C
Oh my gosh, what is it with our husbands and sewing class? Where are the gorgeous outfits they should be making for us?! Haha! I hope you enjoy the mac and cheese, Angie!
Laura | Wandercooks
Hahaha it's like you got the ultimate revenge 😀 Love your story, and also love your penchant for paprika in mac and cheese, I thought I was the only one??? But it's seriously so good isn't it. While I can't sew a button to save my life either, I can (and will) whip up a batch of mac and cheese like there's no tomorrow. Happy cooking!
Mamma C
Haha, yes! And I absolutely love paprika and use it often in various dishes. Thanks so much, Laura!
Patty @ Spoonabilities
What a yummy mac and cheese and I agree that serving with a green salad makes such a great, meatless meal. I want this now! 🙂
Mamma C
Thanks, Patty! I go for these kinds of meals more often than not.
Traditionallymodernfood
My little one loves mac and cheese your delicious pasta remind me that it s been a while I cooked it.. send me a plate
Mamma C
I ate it all and licked the spoon! No worries, I'll whip up some more. 🙂
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
Loved your story! Very funny! This mac and cheese looks so delicious and creamy. Dreamy creamy as my husband would say. Great recipe!!
Mamma C
Haha, thanks, Elaine! I laughed so hard while writing it.
Sandi G
I am all about melty cheese....this is making me hungry for lunch!
Mamma C
Oh yes...cheesy, comforting pasta. It's what I ate for lunch! Thanks, Sandi. 🙂