Tuscan Mac & Cheese
Yield: 4 servings
Active Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
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If you cannot make a trip to Italy, you’ll have to settle for Tuscany on a plate and this delicious homemade mac and cheese will transport you right to the rolling green hills of Tuscany. Mix in some fresh spinach or sliced, cooked Italian sausage for a “one-dish” casserole for dinner.

Ingredients for Single Meal

  • 8 - oz. elbow pasta noodles
  • 2 - Tbsp butter
  • 2 - Tbsp all purpose flour
  • 2 - cup(s) heavy cream
  • 1 - tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 - tsp minced garlic
  • 1 - cup(s) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 - 12 oz jar(s) roasted peppers
  • Garnish: - fresh basil**
  • Side: - salad**
  • 1 - 9x13 disposable foil tray(s)
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Cooking Directions for Single Meal

  1. Cook the pasta, as directed, to al dente. Drain well and add to baking dish or tray.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  3. Open and drain the jar of roasted red peppers.
  4. In a skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, then the cream. Bring to slow bubble and stir in the Italian seasoning, minced garlic and shredded cheese.
  5. Gently add the roasted red peppers in with the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Then pour the cheese sauce over the top and carefully combine in the baking dish.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through and cheese is melted on top.
  7. Prepare the salad.
  8. Serve Tuscan Mac & Cheese with basil garnish and side salad.

Freezeasy Meal Prep Directions

  1. In a skillet, melt 4 Tbsp butter and whisk in 4 Tbsp flour, then 4 cups of heavy cream. Bring to slow bubble and stir in 2 tsp Italian seasoning, 2 tsp minced garlic and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  2. Open and drain 2 jars of roasted bell peppers.

To each disposable tray, add the following ingredients:

  • Half of the drained elbow pasta
  • Half of the drained red bell peppers
  • Half of the cheese sauce
  • Gently combine into the baking dish.

Cover with foil or lid, add label and freeze.

Freeze & Thaw Instructions

Put tray in the freezer and freeze up to 6 months in fridge freezer or 12 months in a deep freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or a warm shallow dish of water for about 20 minutes, before transferring to the oven and baking as directed.

Dairy-Free Modifications

Unfortunately, there is not a great dairy-free option for this meal.

Gluten-Free Modifications

Recipe is gluten-free if you use small shell gluten-free pasta.

Printable Label Recipe Title

Tuscan Mac & Cheese

Printable Label Instructions

Thaw completely and bake at 350 F for 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Garnish with fresh basil.
Serve with salad.

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