Baked Macaroni with Tomato Basil and Three Cheeses

A comforting, home-style baked pasta dish layered with savory tomato sauce, tender macaroni, and a blend of melted cheeses.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

• 4 Tbsp. seasoned dry bread crumbs

• 1 Tbsp. basil, chopped

• 1 Tbsp. butter

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 lb. chopped tomatoes

Directions

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

3. Sauté the shallot and garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add chopped tomatoes and basil.

5. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Cook elbow macaroni for about 8 minutes, until just undercooked.

3. Drain and set aside.

Assemble and Bake

1. Combine cheddar and parmesan cheeses in a bowl.

2. Grease a deep ovenproof dish.

3. Spoon one-third of the tomato sauce into the bottom of the dish.

4. Add one-third of the macaroni, followed by one-third of the cheese mixture.

5. Repeat these layers two more times.

6. Mix the bread crumbs with basil and sprinkle evenly over the top.

7. Dot with butter.

8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Serves

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• 465 Calories

• 26 g Protein

• 56 g Carbohydrates

• 15 g Fat

• 1,020 mg Sodium

• 28 mg Cholesterol

• 4 g Fiber