Buzz
Image: Fred HardyCaprese is a simple Italian salad consisting of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, and this mac and cheese variation incorporates all the vibrant flavors of this iconic trio. A creamy cheese sauce is enhanced with Dijon mustard and basil, providing a light contrast to the indulgent richness of the cheese. Sliced heirloom tomatoes are placed atop the cheesy pasta shells, followed by fresh mozzarella pearls that melt perfectly under the broiler. To finish, sprinkle a generous amount of fresh basil over the dish—this brings the essence of caprese into every bite!
Ingredients List
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12 oz orecchiette pasta
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk
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8 oz shredded Italian cheese blend
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1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped, with extra small leaves for garnish
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2 tsp dijon mustard
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2 tsp kosher salt
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2 small heirloom tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
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1/2 cup mozzarella pearls
Instructions
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Cook the pasta as directed on the package. Drain and set aside.
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In the meantime, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, cooking and whisking continuously until the mixture turns light brown and gives off a toasty aroma, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking and stirring often until the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cheese blend, stirring until fully melted. Mix in the chopped basil, mustard, and salt until evenly combined. Gently fold in the drained pasta.
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Preheat the broiler with the oven rack positioned in the center. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 2 1/2-quart broiler-safe baking dish. Arrange the tomato slices and mozzarella over the pasta.
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Broil until the tomatoes soften, the mozzarella melts, and the top begins to brown slightly, 5 to 8 minutes. Top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| 421 | Calories |
| 25g | Fat |
| 29g | Carbs |
| 19g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
| Calories 421 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 25g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat 15g | 74% |
| Cholesterol 76mg | 25% |
| Sodium 706mg | 31% |
| Total Carbohydrate 29g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 6% |
| Total Sugars 8g | |
| Protein 19g | 38% |
| Vitamin C 4mg | 5% |
| Calcium 446mg | 34% |
| Iron 1mg | 8% |
| Potassium 309mg | 7% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
