Italian Macaroni and Cheese

This Italian Style Macaroni and Cheese is one of the creamiest and most flavorful pasta dishes you will ever make.

The blend of cheeses is rich and laced with a popular Italian flavor, garlic!

A family favorite style that everyone loves, this Italian-inspired Macaroni and Cheese meal and fall in love after the first bite!

Meat or vegetables can be an addition if you prefer, but it's perfect just the way it is, and all made from scratch.

The cheese sauce with pasta is a vintage recipe mom made with lots of fresh ingredients in the 1960s, and never out of a box.

Scroll down and print this off. You won't want to miss trying this one. It's one of the best comfort foods that will make you feel better any day of the week for sure.

Homemade Mac and Cheese Vs Boxed Brands

1. This dish is creamy, filling, delicious, and versatile
2. This cheesy, delicious blend of garlic and herb crunchy topping is unique in flavor and addicting
3. The sauce is rich and flavorful, using many cheeses such as mozzarella and provolone, but if you're a diehard fan of cheddar, by all means, add it. I would stick with Havarti cheese since it does melt easily and has a buttery cheese taste to it.
4. Mac and Cheese is a perfect side dish or whole meal, and additions can be added if you're a meat-eater
5. Boxed brands have been around for years and are more convenient; however, you control the additives and ingredients for a healthier fresh made from scratch meal.

Tips for Making Italian Mac and Cheese

• add vegetables or cooked meats for a complete-style casserole dish
• always spray the pan
• cook the pasta and drain it first
• use any kind of cheese that melts easily
• leftover meats of any kind go great in this casserole
• this easily freezes in small containers
• Use more cheese on top if you're a cheese lover
• Only use whole milk
• The best cracker crumbs are herb butter-flavored to use Italian flavored breadcrumbs

Additions and Cheeses( add 1 cup of any of these)

• cooked chicken
• diced pepperoni
• chopped capicola
• chopped prosciutto
• chunks of genoa salami
• leftover boneless meats like pork chops and steak
• chopped olives
• chopped cooked vegetables any kind you like (broccoli is great with this dish) or a combination of meats and vegetables) 
• Note: add them on the top then pour the cheese mixture on top.

Cheese That Melts Easily to Substitute or Additions

• mozzarella 
• provolone
•  gruyère
•  taleggio(similar to fontina)
•  raclette(swiss)
•  extra-sharp cheddar
• havarti

Pasta of Choice(I've used them all)

1. penne
2. spirals
3. rigatoni
4. elbows
5. baby or medium shells
6. bowties

A List of Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole

• fresh cleaned garlic finely chopped: fresh is best, but you can substitute garlic powder, just around 1/2 teaspoon
• butter: salted butter
• evaporated milk: whole milk, half and half,f or even 1% can be used; however, the fat content may make it watery if you don't use full-fat whole milk
• all-purpose flour: any brand AP flour
• whole milk: same as the above instructions
• pasta: any kind of pasta shape, cooked and drained
• bread crumbs or cracker crumbs: crushed herb-flavored crackers (or use Italian-flavored bread crumbs)
• cheese: thinly slice,d shredded provolone cheese or any other shredded cheese
• other cheese: thinly sliced mozzarella or Havarti cheese, shredded
• cream cheese: we use whipped cream cheese
• spices: red pepper flakes, granulated garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Try These Other Pasta Favorites

15 Easy Pasta Recipes
Chicken Bacon and Spinach Pasta
Pastina and Egg

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Italian Style Comfort Food

Pasta is always welcome on our tables but with all the added cheeses, it's a nice change to the Traditional Sunday Tomato Sauce recipe and we love this with any meal.

This macaroni and cheese Italian style are so hearty, you really can fill up on it quickly, it's really satisfying not to mention addicting.

Through the years, we have adapted the recipe by adding what the family likes, and I must say, tried and true, plain is always the favorite when it comes to picky eater,s especially the grandkids.

If you love to experiment, try adding your leftovers just on top,(you can always scrape them off!) Enjoy!!

Italian Macaroni and Cheese

Yield: 8

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 50 Min

This is a creamy Italian style macaroni and cheese combination using herbs, spices, and garlic along with a crunchy topping.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked baby shells or other pasta you prefer (I have done this with all kinds)
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1  tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
• 1 cup thinly sliced or shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup thinly sliced or shredded mozzarella whole milk (or Havarti for a more pungent flavor)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan and Romano cheese
• Garnish: 1- 1/2 cup herb-flavored buttery crackers or use flavored breadcrumbs, more grated cheese on top, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3. Prepare a deep casserole sized around 4 quarts either oval or rectangular shaped( do not use a shallow pan it won't be as creamy) spray with cooking oil butter spray or olive oil spray and set aside.
4. In a small saucepan add the flour and butter and stir until smooth on low heat then add the garlic fresh and granulated.
5. Add the milk and all cheeses, heat to melt the cheese until smooth.
6. Place the pasta in the prepared pan, and pour the cheese sauce on top.
7. Sprinkle with crushed flavored crackers or breadcrumbs.
8. Set the prepared pan on a larger cookie sheet just for the ease of removing from the oven, it's easier.
9. Bake until the topping is browned at 400 degrees, around 35 minutes.
10. Additional Suggestions:
11. cooked chicken
12. diced pepperoni
13. chopped capicola
14. chopped prosciutto
15. chunks of genoa salami
16. leftover boneless meats like pork chops and steak
17. chopped olives
18. chopped cooked vegetables any kind you like (broccoli is great with this dish) or a combination of meats and vegetables)
19. Note: add 1 cup or more of them on the top then pour the cheese mixture on top.

Calories

539.82

Fat (grams)

31.49

Sat. Fat (grams)

18.76

Carbs (grams)

41.60

Fiber (grams)

2.05

Net carbs

39.55

Sugar (grams)

12.11

Protein (grams)

23.01

Sodium (milligrams)

669.48

Cholesterol (grams)

89.98

https://www.whatscookinitalianstylecuisine.com/2010/04/italian-style-garlicky-pasta-and-fives.html

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Try Some Of Our Other Favorite Recipes

Traditional Sunday Sauce
Mom's Tuna Casserole
Mom's Bake Italian Hamburgers
Mom's Baked Sausage and Peppers

Disclosure: This recipe was originally shared in 2021. It was edited and re-published in 2025.