Macaroni and Cheese with Tomato

Elevate your comfort food game with this irresistible Macaroni and Cheese with Tomato recipe, a delightful twist on the classic dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the vibrant freshness of diced tomatoes. Featuring tender macaroni pasta coated in a rich, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish is enhanced with a touch of Italian seasoning for added depth. The juicy tomatoes are folded in for a burst of flavor, while a golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crispy finish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this oven-baked macaroni and cheese is an easy yet indulgent dinner option that’s sure to impress. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve it as a main course or an unforgettable side dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams macaroni pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium fresh tomatoes (diced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Add this tomato mixture to the macaroni and cheese and gently fold it in.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the dish for a crispy topping.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1595.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3622.9

Total Fat 187.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 107.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 541.6mg	0%
Sodium 6616.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 331.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 50.7g
Protein 163.0g	0%

Vitamin D 331.0IU	0%
Calcium 3526.2mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 2077.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 36.1%