Creamy Tomato Soup Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy tomato soup macaroni and cheese takes the classic pairing of grilled cheese and tomato soup and combines it into one rich, delicious pasta bake. This baked mac and cheese recipe is a creamy pasta casserole your whole family will love!
Servings: 8
Calories: 665kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta like cavatapi, rotini, or penne
- 3 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 4 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions JUST until al dente. Immediately strain the pasta. Run it under cold water, stirring to stop the pasta from cooking further.1 lb pasta
- In a large heavy bottomed pot melt the butter over medium heat. As soon as it's melted add the flour, whisking to combine. Let the mixture bubble for 30 seconds to cook off any flour taste.3 1/2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup flour
- Raise the temperature to medium high and add in the milk 1/2 cup at a time, until all the milk's been incorporated and simmer, whisking often, until the roux has thickened.2 1/2 cups milk
- Reduce the heat to medium low, and add the cheese- one cup at a time- whisking until all the cheese has been incorporated and the sauce is smooth.4 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Add the marinara sauce & tomato paste to the cheese sauce, whisking to evenly combine.2 1/2 cups marinara sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Add the pasta into the pot, and gently toss until all of the pasta is evenly combined & saucy. Season with salt & pepper, to taste.salt & pepper
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13" baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add the bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and melted butter to a small mixing bowl. Stir together until evenly combined, and then spread them out evenly over top of the casserole.1 cup panko bread crumbs, 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tbsp melted butter
- Bake the macaroni & cheese at 350° for 20-25 minutes. Remove the casserole from the oven, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t overcook your pasta. You want it just barely al dente. It will cook further while it bakes in the oven.
- Can’t find cavatappi noodles? No worries. Use penne, ziti, spirals or elbow macaroni instead.
- For extra crispy breadcrumbs, turn on the broiler for a minute or two at the end of baking. Make sure to keep a close eye on it if using the broiler to prevent burning.
Nutrition
Calories: 665kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1020mg | Potassium: 605mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1423IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 639mg | Iron: 3mg