Italian Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Hmmmm, this is a great comfort food dish. Perfect for a family get together and even better as left overs for lunch.

Ingredients

• 8 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbs olive oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tsp nutmeg, freshly ground
• 2 cups milk
• 1 pound penne pasta, cooked
• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
• 1 pound Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Pecarino-Romano cheese, freshly grated
• 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Directions

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
2. Whisk in the flour salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until bubbly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until well blended.
5. Raise the heat to medium and cook until the mixture just begins to boil, stirring constantly.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sauce is thickened.
7. In a large bowl mix together the pasta, sauce, olive oil, tomato, bread crumbs, basil, Pecarino-Romano cheese, Mozzarella cheese, and Ricotta cheese.
8. Spoon the pasta mixture into a large casserole dish.
9. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes.

Note: This makes a nice vegetarian main dish. You can also add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for those who don't want a meatless meal. Anticipating a busy day? Make this dish ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you are ready for dinner. By adding garlic bread and a salad this is a complete meal.