Ingredients
Scale
Before you start, gather these pantry-friendly ingredients. They’re straightforward, just like the meals my mom used to whip up with whatever was on hand.
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
If you’re out of some ingredients, don’t worry! You can swap fresh spinach for kale or use any cheese you have on hand. Remember, home cooking is all about improvisation and creativity.
Instructions
Cooking this dish is like telling a story, each step building upon the last. Let’s dive into crafting this comforting classic.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Pour in the milk, stirring occasionally until it begins to steam.
- Gradually add in the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce.
- Sprinkle in the oregano and basil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring well to ensure every pasta piece is coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the taste and the smiles it brings to your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Tuscan mac cheese, recipe, cooking, food
