One Pot Italian Mac and Cheese

$- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish - Cherry tomatoes for garnish To make this One Pot Italian Mac and Cheese, you will need simple and fresh ingredients. The elbow macaroni serves as the base. You can find it in any grocery store. The low-sodium vegetable broth adds depth and flavor. I love using vegetable broth because it keeps the dish light yet satisfying. Next, cheese is key! Ricotta gives a creamy texture, while mozzarella melts beautifully. Parmesan adds a sharp bite, enhancing the overall flavor. Olive oil is essential for sautéing garlic, which brings a warm aroma. Don't forget the Italian seasoning for that classic taste. If you enjoy a little heat, add red chili flakes. Salt and pepper help balance all the flavors. For a fresh finish, I like to garnish with torn basil and halved cherry tomatoes. They add color and brightness to the dish. Gather these ingredients, and let’s create a creamy delight that your family will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} Gather all your ingredients before you start. This makes cooking easier and more fun. You will need: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil, torn for garnish - Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish 1. In a large pot, add the olive oil over medium heat. 2. Once hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. 3. Next, stir in the elbow macaroni and vegetable broth. Bring this to a boil. 4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid gone. 5. Lower the heat again. Add the ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese melts together. 6. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix it well. Remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. This thickens the dish. Serve it hot. Top with the rest of the Parmesan, fresh basil, and halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Enjoy your creamy delight! To make your mac and cheese super creamy, use a mix of cheeses. I love ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. They melt well and add great flavor. Use low-sodium broth to keep the dish tasty without being too salty. Stir the cheese in when the pasta is hot to help it melt faster. This gives you a smooth texture. Also, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the mix thicken up nicely. One big mistake is cooking the pasta too long. You want it al dente, so it has a bite. If you overcook it, your dish can become mushy. Another mistake is not stirring enough while cooking. Stirring helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking. Don’t skip the garlic! It adds a lot of flavor. Lastly, taste your dish as you season it. This way, you can get the salt and spice just right. For this recipe, you need a large pot for cooking. A wooden spoon works best for stirring. Use a sharp knife for chopping garlic and tomatoes. A measuring cup is key for your broth and cheese. If you have a cheese grater, it makes grating Parmesan easy. Lastly, a serving spoon will help you dish out this creamy delight. Having these tools ready will make your cooking faster and more fun! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Always opt for fresh when possible. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or gouda, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Adjust the Creaminess: For a creamier mac and cheese, add a splash of heavy cream or more ricotta cheese when mixing in the cheeses. Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce along with the red chili flakes. {{image_2}} You can make your One Pot Italian Mac and Cheese even better with add-ins. Try adding cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. Sautéed mushrooms or spinach add nice texture and flavor. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of taste. Each add-in makes the dish unique and fun! While this recipe uses ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, feel free to switch things up! Try adding sharp cheddar for a rich flavor. Fontina melts well and adds creaminess. Goat cheese gives a tangy twist. Mix and match cheeses to find your favorite combination! If you like heat, add more red chili flakes. You can also use a spicy cheese, like pepper jack. For a milder dish, skip the chili flakes or use sweet paprika instead. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste buds. It's all about making this dish your own! After making One Pot Italian Mac and Cheese, let it cool down. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep it covered to avoid drying out. To reheat, scoop out your desired portion. Place it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or milk to keep it creamy. Stir often until warm. You can also microwave it. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze the mac and cheese, let it cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions above. It takes about 25 minutes to cook One Pot Italian Mac and Cheese. This includes 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. You will enjoy creamy mac and cheese in no time! Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Gluten-free pasta often cooks faster. Keep an eye on the pasta so it doesn’t get too soft. Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, swap the cheeses for plant-based options. Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This will keep your dish creamy and delicious! This article covered a tasty One Pot Italian Mac and Cheese recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, detailed steps, and helpful tips for a creamy dish. We also explored variations and storage options. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Don't hesitate to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Enjoy making this meal for yourself or loved ones. You’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills. Happy cooking!$

One Pot Italian Mac and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish cooked in one pot, featuring Italian flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)
to taste Salt and pepper
to taste Fresh basil, torn for garnish
to taste Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the elbow macaroni and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Once the macaroni is cooked, reduce heat to low. Add in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheeses are melted and combined.
Add Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Remove from heat, and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and halved cherry tomatoes for added brightness.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes.

Keyword mac and cheese, one pot, pasta