From the Cook
1/2
Pink Sauce Mac & Cheese
Instructions
1
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
2
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In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add a dash of olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3
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Stir in tomato paste and cook until it turns dark red. Then add tomato sauce and mix well.
4
|
Once simmering, pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5
|
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6
|
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped basil. Mix until cheese is melted and smooth.
7
|
Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat and let everything simmer for a few minutes.
8
|
Serve hot, topped with more Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Pasta Water Gold 💧Always reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining - it's the secret to creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the fusilli.
- Tomato Paste Caramelization 🍅Toast the tomato paste in the butter for 2-3 minutes before adding other liquids to develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile and eliminate any raw tomato taste.
- Cheese Melting Technique 🧀Add cheeses off the heat and stir gradually to prevent separation, creating a smooth and creamy sauce - mix in small handfuls while continuously stirring.
- Garlic Infusion Hack 🧄Gently grate or mince garlic and let it bloom in olive oil for maximum flavor extraction before adding other ingredients.
- Fresh Basil Enhancement 🌿Tear basil leaves instead of chopping to prevent bruising and preserve their delicate oils, adding them just before serving for maximum aromatic impact.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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