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Italian Mac and Cheese – Pasta Easy Recipes You'll Crave

Some days, all you want is a bowl of something warm, cheesy, and deeply comforting. That’s where this Italian mac and cheese slides in—like your favorite fuzzy socks after a long day. We’re talking perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a silky cheese sauce with a twist of Italian flair. It’s got the heart of Nonna’s Sunday pasta but the ease of a weeknight dinner you can whip up without breaking a sweat. This dish marries old-school flavor with a modern craving for simplicity. It’s fast, filling, and makes you feel like you’ve done something special—without doing much at all. If pasta had a love language, this would be it.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Comfort Food
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: air fryer cookies easy recipes, butter swim biscuits easy recipes, cheesey potatoes easy recipe, chicken stirfry easy recipe, easy recipes for dinner, easy recipes ninja creami, pasta easy recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
  3. Stir in flour and whisk for another minute until it forms a paste.
  4. Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan until melted and creamy.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped herbs if using.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy comfort!