Herbed Macaroni Parmesan

This Herbed Macaroni Parmesan is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner that delivers big Italian flavor without the fuss. The dish features tender macaroni noodles coated in a rich, savory mixture of melted margarine, sharp grated Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Bright notes from chopped fresh basil and parsley cut through the richness, while a single ripe plum tomato adds a subtle burst of acidity and freshness. It&# 226;ÂÂs a vegetarian-friendly meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Serve it as a light main course or a hearty side dish alongside a simple green salad. The texture is smooth and satisfying, with the herbs providing a vibrant pop of color and aroma.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Steaming

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 449.7

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This Herbed Macaroni Parmesan is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner that delivers big Italian flavor without the fuss. The dish features tender macaroni noodles coated in a rich, savory mixture of melted margarine, sharp grated Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Bright notes from chopped fresh basil and parsley cut through the richness, while a single ripe plum tomato adds a subtle burst of acidity and freshness. It&# 226;ÂÂs a vegetarian-friendly meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Serve it as a light main course or a hearty side dish alongside a simple green salad. The texture is smooth and satisfying, with the herbs providing a vibrant pop of color and aroma.

Ingredients

8 ounce Macaroni noodles
2 tablespoon Minced fresh Basil (or 2 tsp dried)
3 tablespoon Margarine
2 tablespoon Chopped fresh Parsley
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1 Italian Plum Tomato, chopped
1 dash Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2
Add macaroni noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3
Drain the pasta well in a colander and return it to the hot pot.
4
Immediately add the margarine to the hot noodles and toss vigorously until melted and coated.
5
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, minced basil, chopped parsley, and chopped plum tomato.
6
Season with freshly ground black pepper and toss again to combine all ingredients evenly.
7
Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 449.7kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18.3g29%
Saturated Fat 8.1g41%
Cholesterol 26.4mg9%
Sodium 579.5mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 54.3g19%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g15%
Sugars 1.5g
Protein 19.6g40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.

Substitutions: You can substitute unsalted butter for margarine for a richer flavor. If fresh herbs are unavailable, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley, adding them with the cheese.

Variations: Add steamed broccoli florets or sautÃÂ©ed mushroom slices for extra vegetables and texture. For a heartier meal, mix in cooked chicken breast or white beans.

Tip: Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining. If the sauce seems too dry after tossing, add a tablespoon of the starchy water to help emulsify and loosen the mixture.

Keywords: macaroni, parmesan, basil, parsley, pasta, vegetarian, italian, herbed, tomato, margarine, quick, dinner, easy, family, comfort, savory, cheesy, fresh, herbs, al dente

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/herbed-macaroni-parmesan/