Caprese Mac and Cheese
Servings
4Serving size
2 ounces pasta with sauce and veggiesThis recipe can easily be multiplied and makes good leftovers. Reheat gently after adding 1 Tbsp. of 2% milk per serving.
Ingredients
| 4 tsp. Olive oil (divided) |
| 16 ounce Grape or cherry tomatoes |
| 4 quart Water |
| 8 ounce Whole Wheat Pasta (or gluten free penne) |
| 1 clove Garlic, raw (finely minced) |
| 2 Tbsp. All purpose flour or garbanzo flour |
| 1 cup 2% milk |
| 2 ounce Provolone cheese (grated) |
| 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (grated) |
| 20 leaves Fresh basil (chiffonade) |
| 4 ounce Fresh mozzarella (cut into 1/4 inch dice) |
| 4 Tbsp. Panko (or gluten free panko) |
Instructions
When the oven is hot add 2 teaspoons of the olive oil and the tomatoes to the pan.
Return the pan to the oven and roast the tomatoes for 20 minutes. Shake the pan occasionally. Remove and set aside.
While the tomatoes are cooking, place the water in a medium stock-pot over high heat and bring to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until done – about 15 minutes. Do not overcook – the pasta should be cooked al dente. Drain and set aside.
Place the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil in the pot.
Return the pot to medium-high heat and add the garlic.
Simmer for about one minute and add the flour.
Whisk continuously for about 1 minute and then add the milk slowly.
As the sauce begins to thicken, add the provolone and parmesan and fold together until the cheeses melt and the mixture is smooth. smooth.
Add the pasta, tomatoes and basil. Fold together gently.
Divide the macaroni and cheese between four ovenproof bowls.
Top with the fresh mozzarella and the breadcrumbs and place in the oven for 10 minutes until the mozzarella is slightly melted.
Serve.
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Special Diet Information
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Lactose
Avoid this recipe if you are lactose intolerant.
Recipe Notes
There are Mac and Cheese recipes that are creamy and there are those that are baked.
This hybrid version is fantastic with the flavors of a summer Caprese Salad and the toasted breadcrumbs on top evoke the crusty bread that comes with that delicious salad (all in a complete meal).
The great thing about this recipe is that you can make everything in advance, add the breadcrumbs at the last minute and then bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until it is hot. So this is perfect for a game night gathering but the recipe also makes great leftovers (so make a double or triple batch).