Baked Italian macaroni and cheese… perfect comfort food. It is the perfect side dish that goes with so many meals.
This Italian pasta recipe is a twist on your everyday macaroni and cheese. The parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning are the game-changers in this recipe. You will also love the mozzarella cheese with the pasta.
My family is a mac and cheese-loving family. It is fun changing up the ingredients for this dish and making new favorites. This one is a keeper.
Helpful tips
- Use a short pasta for this recipe. I used ziti for this recipe, but you can use elbow macaroni, rotini, or your favorite short pasta/noodles.
- Cook the noodles using the directions on the package, minus a minute or two. The noodles should be al dente since they will also bake in the oven.
- Shred the cheese instead of buying pre-shredded cheese. Although pre-shredded cheese can be used for this recipe to save time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat leftovers, heat in the microwave until the desired temperature. You may want to add a little bit of milk to loosen up the noodles.
Ingredients
- Pasta – Any short pasta will work.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted butter works.
- Flour – All-purpose flour is used.
- Milk – I use 2%, but you can use whole milk instead.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Best if you shred this cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese – Best if you shred this cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Steps for making
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Steps one, two, and three
Cook the pasta using the directions on the box minus a minute or two. Make the white sauce. Melt the butter in a large skillet and add the flour. Stir until the flour is blended into the butter.
Steps four, five, and six
Add the cheese and stir in. Once the cheese is melted, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the pasta and fold in.
Steps seven and eight
Add the pasta to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F. Bake the pasta for 30 minutes or until the top starts to brown.
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Baked Italian Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta I used ziti
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 1 3/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook the pasta according to the package, minus a minute or two.
- In a skillet melt butter, once the butter is melted add the flour and stir until blended and smooth.
- Add the milk gradually, stirring constantly; cook over medium-high heat until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Add the cheese and stir until melted and blended. Once the cheese is melted, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and mix until well blended.
- Add the cooked macaroni, and mix until the pasta is coated with the cheese mixture.
- Transport to a baking dish and place into a preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top of the macaroni and cheese starts to turn golden brown.
Notes
- Use a short pasta for this recipe. I like to use ziti, but you can use elbow macaroni, rotini, or your favorite short pasta.
- Cook the pasta using the directions on the package, minus a minute or two. The pasta should be al dente since it will be baked for additional minutes in the oven.
- Shred your cheese if you have time instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- To reheat leftovers, heat in the microwave until desired temperature. Add a bit of milk before heating to loosen up the noodles.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on April 20, 2015. It has been updated with new content and pictures on June 12, 2025.
I used to eat mac and cheese almost weekly, now maybe once in a couple of months because of high calorie and carb. Now you have me crave for some! YUM!
I LOVE mac and cheese so you can just keep the recipes coming. I’ll help you with the leftovers!!
Look absolutely delicious Dawn!!
My family would definitely go for your Italian version—it looks delish!!!
What a great idea to do an Italian version of this classic! Love this — and need to make it. 😉 Thanks!
This is an easy recipe to make. My family loves this recipe.
I love how you’ve effortlessly amped the flavors of traditional mac and cheese using parmesan and Italian seasoning. Brilliant! And your easy step-by-step instructions make recreating this at home so easy, too!