Discover how to make a flavorful Macaroni Pie, a baked pasta dish that takes the classic macaroni and cheese to the next level. This easy recipe features tender macaroni combined with creamy cheese and enhanced with local herbs and spices. Perfect for a comforting family meal or a hearty dinner, this Macaroni Pie is sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups elbow macaroni

- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 cup milk

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- 2 large eggs

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook Macaroni: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Mix Macaroni and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble Pie: Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9-inch pie dish or baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top and drizzle with a bit of melted butter.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pie is bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Let the Macaroni Pie cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Values

Elbow Macaroni (2 cups / 200g)

  - Calories: Approximately 750

  - Protein: 24g

  - Carbohydrates: 150g

  - Fat: 2g

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates, contains some protein, and is a good source of B vitamins and iron.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups / 200g)

  - Calories: Approximately 800

  - Protein: 40g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fat: 64g

Benefits: High in calcium and protein, supports bone health, and provides essential nutrients such as vitamin A and phosphorus.

Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup / 100g)

  - Calories: Approximately 430

  - Protein: 38g

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fat: 29g

Benefits: Rich in calcium and protein, supports bone health, and provides a strong flavor and essential vitamins like vitamin A and B12.

Milk (1 cup / 240ml)

  - Calories: Approximately 150

  - Protein: 8g

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

  - Fat: 8g

Benefits: Good source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, supports bone health and muscle function.

Heavy Cream (1/2 cup / 120ml)

  - Calories: Approximately 400

  - Protein: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Fat: 40g

Benefits: Adds richness and flavor, contains fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and E.

Large Eggs (2)

  - Calories: Approximately 140

  - Protein: 12g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 10g

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins like B12 and D, and supports muscle repair and overall health.

Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup / 60g)

  - Calories: Approximately 200

  - Protein: 6g

  - Carbohydrates: 36g

  - Fat: 2g

Benefits: Adds texture and helps to form a crispy topping, provides carbohydrates for energy.

Chopped Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, supports immune function, and has antioxidant properties.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 5

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Benefits: Contains compounds that may support heart health, has antimicrobial properties.

Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor, contains antioxidants, and may support immune function.

Salt (to taste)

  - Calories: 0

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor, helps maintain fluid balance, and is necessary for proper nerve and muscle function.

Pepper (to taste)

  - Calories: Approximately 6 (for 1 tsp)

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, may aid digestion, and enhances the absorption of other nutrients.

Butter (2 tablespoons / 28g)

  - Calories: Approximately 200

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 22g

Benefits: Adds flavor and richness, contains vitamin A and supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon / 15ml)

  - Calories: Approximately 120

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 14g

Benefits: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, supports heart health, and contains antioxidants like vitamin E.