Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese
Try this Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 lb (16 oz) uncooked wheat or otherwise high fiber elb
- 3 tablespoons light butter divided
- 1 (14.5 oz can) whole tomatoes
- 1/4 cup torn basil leaves
- 1 1/4 cups fat free milk
- 2 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar shredded (i used cabot brand)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar shredded (i used cabot seriously sharp)
- Carbohydrate 5.33664345667055 g
- Cholesterol 21.1484996275 mg
- Fat 7.70262423288256 g
- Fiber 0.126699481002819 g
- Protein 5.02288054787149 g
- Saturated Fat 4.83808880508611 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (about 1 ½ cup) serving (156g)
- Sodium 198.912688496502 mg
- Sugar 5.20994397566773 g
- Trans Fat 0.399443306417017 g
- Calories 110 calories
Step-by-step
- Pre-heat the oven to 350.
- Lightly mist a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the water is boiling for step one, melt one tablespoon of the light butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the onion, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil and thyme and raise heat to bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- While the tomatoes are simmering, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of light butter in another saucepan.
- Add the flour to the butter and stir to combine.
- Add the milk a little at a time and whisk the flour mixture into the milk until smooth.
- Add the mustard powder and salt and stir to combine.
- Add 4 ounces of the shredded cheese (set aside 2 ounces for topping) to the milk mixture and whisk together until smooth.
- Make sure heat is on the lowest setting and warm cheese sauce for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- When the tomato mixture is done simmering, pour it into a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth.
- Add the tomato mixture to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Mix in the cooked pasta until well coated.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the reserved baking dish and sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through and bubbly.
Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework, extracurricular activities, and the ever-present battle against bedtime resistance. So, when I stumbled upon this Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese recipe, it quickly became a family favorite and a lifesaver on those hectic evenings. It's surprisingly quick, incredibly flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup – a trifecta that any busy woman can appreciate.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists. This recipe relies on pantry staples and easily accessible ingredients. The creamy tomato soup base provides a rich and tangy counterpoint to the sharpness of the cheddar cheese, creating a depth of flavor that's both satisfying and comforting. The addition of herbs like basil and thyme elevates the dish beyond your average mac and cheese, adding a touch of sophistication without sacrificing ease of preparation. I've even adapted it to incorporate whole wheat pasta for a boost of fiber, making it a slightly healthier choice without compromising on taste.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. It's easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the spice level to your liking. On nights when I'm particularly pressed for time, I'll use pre-shredded cheese to save a few precious minutes. Other times, I'll take the extra time to finely chop fresh vegetables and add them to the tomato sauce for an extra burst of color and nutrients. The possibilities are endless!
This Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious food made with love. It's a dish that brings my family together, transforming a hectic weeknight into a moment of warmth and connection. It's the kind of recipe that I'm happy to share with you, a fellow busy woman who understands the importance of quick, easy, and delicious meals. So, try it out, adapt it to your own tastes, and enjoy the satisfaction of a comforting and satisfying dinner that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
Beyond the simple preparation and delicious taste, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you’re a vegetarian, it’s already perfect as is! Want to add some protein? A handful of cooked chicken or ground turkey would mix in beautifully. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes. Love different herbs? Experiment with oregano or parsley—or a mix of both! The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to easily cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. The fundamental elements remain the same – the creamy tomato soup, the sharp cheddar, and the comforting pasta – creating a base that can be endlessly customized.
The best part? The cleanup is a breeze! One pot for the cheese sauce, one for the tomato soup (easily blended right in the pot if you have an immersion blender), and the baking dish. That’s it! That means less time spent cleaning and more time relaxing with your loved ones after a satisfying meal. It’s a small detail, but a significant win in the busy life of a working mom. This recipe really has become a staple in my weeknight meal rotation. It's quick, versatile, and delicious – a true powerhouse in the world of easy-to-make yet impressive dinners.
So, the next time you're searching for a quick and easy dinner solution that won't compromise on flavor or nutrition, give this Tomato Soup Mac and Cheese a try. I guarantee it will become a new favorite in your household, too. And if you have any creative twists you've added to this recipe, please do share! I'm always looking for new ideas to add to my ever-growing collection of quick and easy family-friendly meals.
