Description
A rich and velvety mac & cheese dish infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of cheeses. This gourmet twist on a comfort classic offers creamy texture and tangy sweetness, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz rotini or elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups unsweetened plant milk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the plant milk until smooth and creamy.
- Reduce heat and stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
- Add smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- You can substitute regular milk for plant milk based on dietary preference.
- Adjust the cheese quantities to taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg