Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked baby shells or any pasta of your choice
• 1 can of evaporated milk
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (fresh is best!)
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
• 1 cup thinly sliced or shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup thinly sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese or Havarti cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan and Romano cheese
• Crumb topping: 1 – 1/2 cup herb-flavored buttery crackers or Italian-flavored breadcrumbs, with extra grated cheese on top and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a kick!

Instructions

1. Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Prepare a deep casserole dish (around 4 quarts) by spraying it with cooking oil or olive oil. Avoid shallow pans to keep your mac and cheese nice and creamy.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter on low heat, then add the flour and stir until smooth. Next, mix in the fresh and granulated garlic until fragrant.
5. Gradually add the milk and all of the cheeses to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour the cooked pasta into the prepared casserole dish and then drench it with the luscious cheese sauce.
7. Top the mixture with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch.
8. To make transferring easier, place the casserole dish on a larger baking sheet.
9. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown.

Extra Suggestions:

• Add cooked chicken, diced pepperoni, chopped capicola, prosciutto, chunks of Genoa salami, or leftover boneless meats such as pork chops and steak.
• Chopped olives or any cooked vegetables you prefer work exceptionally well, with broccoli being a standout choice!
• If you’re feeling adventurous, layer these additions on top of the pasta before pouring over the cheese mixture.

Tips for Making Italian Mac and Cheese

• For a complete casserole, consider tossing in some vegetables or cooked meats.
• Always grease your pan to prevent sticking.
• Make sure to drain the pasta thoroughly before mixing it with the cheese sauce.
• Opt for any cheese that melts easily for that perfect creamy texture.
• This dish freezes beautifully, so you can make a double batch and save some for later!
• Add more cheese on top if you’re a true cheese lover!
• Always stick to whole milk for the best results.
• For added flavor, use herb-butter flavored crackers or Italian breadcrumbs.

Cheeses That Melt Easily

If you want to switch things up with different cheeses, consider these melt-friendly options:

• Fresh mozzarella
• Provolone
• Gruyère
• Taleggio (similar to Fontina)
• Raclette (Swiss cheese)
• Extra-sharp cheddar
• Havarti

Favorite Pasta Shapes for This Dish

While baby shells are delightful, feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes any time you make this dish:

1. Penne
2. Spirals
3. Rigatoni
4. Elbows
5. Medium shells
6. Bowties

Why Make Italian Style Mac and Cheese?

This Italian macaroni and cheese is a wonderful alternative to traditional tomato sauce, making it a cherished comfort food. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. For those picky eaters in your life, this dish has always been a favorite—especially among the grandkids!

Feel free to get creative with your leftovers; just layer them on top, and if you don’t like a mix, you can always scrape them off. Enjoy this yummy comfort food at any time of the year!