Tomato-Basil Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Try this Tomato-Basil Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Tomato-Basil Stovetop Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 7 oz dry gluten-free macaroni
- 2 large cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour (i used king arthur measure for
- 1-1/2 cups milk (i used unsweetened almond milk but recommend 2% milk if using cow’s milk)
- 8 oz freshly shredded fontina cheese
- 2 roma tomatoes seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves finely chopped
- Carbohydrate 0.57038125006119 g
- Cholesterol 15.2515625065405 mg
- Fat 5.77820062748178 g
- Fiber 0.0738999992371406 g
- Protein 0.239171875096423 g
- Saturated Fat 3.64633900156358 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (118g)
- Sodium 59.6411432467788 mg
- Sugar 0.496481250824049 g
- Trans Fat 0.408281125175464 g
- Calories 54 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then add macaroni and cook until just under al dente.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a 3 quart saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic then saute until very fragrant and just barely turning golden brown, 1 minute. Sprinkle in gluten-free flour then whisk for 1 minute.
- Slowly stream in milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce then season with salt and pepper and turn heat up to medium-high to bring milk to a bubble, stirring constantly.
- Turn heat down to medium then stir constantly until sauce has thickened, 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat then add shredded cheese in two batches, stirring until very smooth before adding the second batch. Taste then add salt and/or pepper if necessary.
- Drain pasta then add to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Add tomatoes and basil then stir to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tomato-Basil Stovetop Mac and Cheese: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That's where this Tomato-Basil Stovetop Mac and Cheese comes in. It's a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when I'm juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the ever-present demands of family life. Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove – this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, and the result is creamy, cheesy goodness that even the pickiest eaters will devour. The fresh basil and juicy tomatoes add a vibrant, summery touch that elevates this classic comfort food to a whole new level.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. I often swap out the fontina for a sharp cheddar or a creamy Gruyere, depending on what I have on hand. And don't be afraid to get creative with the vegetables. Sometimes, I'll add sauteed mushrooms or spinach for an extra boost of nutrients and flavor. The beauty of this dish is that it's a blank canvas, allowing you to customize it to your liking and the season's bounty. It's become a staple in my household, a go-to recipe that always delivers a satisfying and delicious meal without the fuss.
The key to this recipe's success lies in the creamy cheese sauce. It's incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and a little patience while stirring. But trust me, the result is well worth the effort. The smooth, rich sauce perfectly coats the perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze. One pot, minimal dishes – what's not to love?
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this mac and cheese holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of cozy nights spent with my family, sharing laughter and conversation over a steaming bowl of cheesy goodness. It's more than just a meal; it's a connection, a tradition, a reminder of the simple joys of life. And in the midst of the chaos of modern life, that's something truly invaluable. So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and utterly satisfying weeknight meal, give this Tomato-Basil Stovetop Mac and Cheese a try. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Beyond the Recipe: Embracing the Everyday
This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a reflection of my approach to life. As a busy professional, I value efficiency and simplicity, but I also believe in savoring the little things. This dish represents that balance perfectly. It's a testament to the fact that even amidst the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, we can create delicious and meaningful moments with ease. It’s about finding joy in the everyday, in the simple act of preparing a comforting meal for those we love.
The beauty of cooking lies not just in the final product, but in the process itself. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the satisfying sizzle of garlic in butter, the gentle simmering of the sauce – these are the moments that ground me, that allow me to disconnect from the pressures of work and reconnect with myself. This mac and cheese, therefore, is more than just food; it's a mindful practice, a small act of self-care amidst the chaos. It's a reminder to slow down, to appreciate the simple pleasures, and to find joy in the ordinary.
And that’s what I truly hope you’ll experience when you make this recipe. It’s not just about the delicious taste; it's about the feeling of accomplishment, the satisfaction of creating something nourishing and comforting, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. This Tomato-Basil Stovetop Mac and Cheese is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, easy preparation, and the boundless capacity of food to bring people together.
