Italian Mac & Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is made with three cheeses, seasoned with garlic and basil, then baked with crunchy breadcrumbs on top.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Keyword Italian Mac & Cheese

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 10

Total Time 35

Servings

Get Recipe Ingredients

Cook the pasta accoding to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
16 oz. penne
In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients; set aside.
2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried basil
Grease a 9x13 baking dish or casserole dish. Preheat the oven to 350F.
In a large sauce pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
¼ cup butter
Add the garlic and cook about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
1 tablespoon fresh garlic
Sprinkle the flour in and whisk to combine. Cook 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
¼ cup flour
Slowly drizzle in the milk a little at a time, whisking constantly. Once the milk and flour mixture is smooth, cook until the mixture is hot and starts to bubble gently.
2½ cups milk
Add the cheeses a little at a time, whisking in between.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, 2 cups fontina cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese
Once the cheeses are all incorporated, remove the sauce from the heat. Mix in the seasonings and fresh basil.
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh basil, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon salt
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
Transfer the mac and cheese into the prepared pan.
Sprinkle the top of the mac and cheese with the topping.
Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Remove and serve hot with extra parmesan and or basil on top.