Name: Caprese Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Kosher salt -; 1 lb. cavatappi -; 1/2 c. (1 stick) Unsalted butter -; 2 cloves garlic, minced -; 1/2 c. flour -; 5 c. whole milk -; 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning -; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes -; Freshly ground black pepper -; 4 c. shredded mozzarella -; 1 c. freshly grated Parmesan -; 4 tomatoes, sliced -; 2 tbsp. fresh basil, sliced -; 1/4 c. Italian bread crumbs -; Balsamic glaze, for drizzling -

Ingredients for - Caprese Mac and Cheese

1. Kosher salt

2. 1 lb. cavatappi

3. 1/2 c. (1 stick) Unsalted butter

4. 2 cloves garlic, minced

5. 1/2 c. flour

6. 5 c. whole milk

7. 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

8. Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

9. Freshly ground black pepper

10. 4 c. shredded mozzarella

11. 1 c. freshly grated Parmesan

12. 4 tomatoes, sliced

13. 2 tbsp. fresh basil, sliced

14. 1/4 c. Italian bread crumbs

15. Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

How to cook deliciously - Caprese Mac and Cheese

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 375°. Butter a 9”-x-13” baking dish. In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2 . Stage

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 stick butter. Stir in garlic then sprinkle over flour and cook until slightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

3 . Stage

Pour in milk and whisk until combined. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until starting to thicken, about 5 minutes.

4 . Stage

Remove pan from heat and whisk in mozzarella then 1 cup Parmesan. Continue whisking until smooth. Stir in cooked pasta and transfer to prepared baking dish.

5 . Stage

Sprinkle Italian bread crumbs on top then cover the top with tomato slices. Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.

6 . Stage

Bake until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Garnish with basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.