Three Cheese Macaroni and Tomatoes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Three Cheese Macaroni and Tomatoes recipe—a creamy, cheesy delight with a tangy twist. This quick and versatile dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan. The addition of vibrant, juicy canned tomatoes takes this classic mac and cheese to a whole new level, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Finished with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping and baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Ready in just 40 minutes, it pairs well with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread for an unforgettable meal. Keywords: three cheese macaroni, mac and cheese with tomatoes, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the dish.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, one at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix until the macaroni is evenly coated.

Step 8

If baking the dish, transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added texture, if desired.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Three Cheese Macaroni and Tomatoes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1472.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2626.1

Total Fat 130.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 377.1mg	0%
Sodium 5508.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 241.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 48.2g
Protein 122.8g	0%

Vitamin D 238.7IU	0%
Calcium 2811.8mg	0%
Iron 14.0mg	0%
Potassium 1888.3mg	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: 44.6%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 36.7%