Creamy Tuscan Chili Mac

Bring a touch of Italian-inspired comfort to your table with this Creamy Tuscan Chili Mac. This dish is a hearty fusion of the classic American chili mac and the savory, sun-drenched flavors of Tuscany, featuring a rich Parmesan sauce that perfectly ties together every ingredient.

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This recipe is designed for those busy nights when you need a meal that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The addition of fresh baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while the choice of ground beef or Italian sausage allows you to customize the savory profile to your liking.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta
• Meats: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion (finely diced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped), 4 cups (120 g) baby spinach (roughly chopped)
• Dairy & Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Pantry: 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can crushed tomatoes, 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp olive oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and cheese is melted.

Step 8

Add the spinach and stir until wilted.

Step 9

Gently fold in the cooked pasta. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 10

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra layer of flavor, use the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomato jar instead of standard olive oil. You can also add a small pinch of nutmeg to the sauce to enhance the richness of the heavy cream and Parmesan.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. For extra creaminess and a cheese-pull effect, try substituting half of the Parmesan with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish steaming hot in rustic bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top. It pairs perfectly with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine to complement the Italian-American flavors.

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With its creamy texture and bold Tuscan notes, this Chili Mac is sure to become a household staple. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this simple yet elegant fusion dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dish remains hearty and satisfying with the pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan sauce.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any small pasta shape works well. Try penne, shells, or cavatappi for different textures. The sauce clings nicely to pasta with nooks and crannies.

→ Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream provides the richest texture and best flavor. Whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner. For a middle ground, try half-and-half for creaminess without quite as much fat.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce components ahead, but it's best to add the pasta just before serving. If making ahead, undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to absorb liquid. Reheat and add more cream if needed before serving.

→ What can I serve with this?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. A light Pinot Grigio or simple red wine complements the Italian flavors.