Caprese Mac Cheese Recipe

Elevate your classic mac and cheese with the vibrant taste of Caprese salad! This cheesy pasta dish combines creamy cheddar with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella for a flavor explosion. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 908.9 kcal
Protein 68g
Rating Be the first
Caprese Mac Cheese 38

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Caprese Mac Cheese

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How to Make Caprese Mac Cheese

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and a few grinds of black pepper.
  3. Add 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, and 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces. Gently toss until coated. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Cook 1 pound pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or your favorite shape) according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the marinated tomato mixture.
  6. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with extra fresh basil and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

62 g

Sugar

23g

Fat

144g

Carbs

6g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Caprese Mac Cheese?

Caprese Mac Cheese takes about 75 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 55 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Caprese Mac Cheese?

Caprese Mac Cheese has approximately 908.9 calories per serving, with about 68 g protein, 6 g carbohydrates and 120 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Caprese Mac Cheese?

The key ingredients for Caprese Mac Cheese are Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Basil, Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper. See the full list with measurements above.

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