I just don’t know where the time is going! How is it already almost the end of October? And where did this snow come from? Wasn’t I just enjoying summer sun and heat on the deck? Now it’s dark at dinner time and I feel like we’re almost in the dead of winter on some days!
But I do have to say, the one thing I like about the fact that winter is on it’s way, is that it does feel cozy in here. And it makes me want to cook comfort food…so I guess that’s something isn’t it?! I actually enjoy cooking this time of year the most…there is just something so comforting about the food that comes with fall and winter.
Hearty, yummy comfort food. But it’s got to be quick too! Most days I need to be able to get dinner on the table in one hour or less. So I’m always looking for new recipes to be able to achieve this. And I also need recipes that use ingredients that I have on hand most of the time. There’s a time for fancy stuff with fancy ingredients, but there’s nothing like having a recipe that’s simple and uses ingredients I have in the house.
So here is another delicious dish that you can have on your table in under 1 hour! It’s so good for those nights when you just don’t know what to make for dinner. And the addition of tomato sneaks in some extra nutrition too!
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 tbsp flour
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1½ cups cheese (mild, medium or sharp Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack)
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Then drain and set aside.
- In a pan, melt the butter and cook the onion and garlic until lightly browned.
- Add the flour to the onion mix and stir, mixing thoroughly.
- Whisk in the milk, and stir until the mixture is thickened.
- Add the tomato paste and oregano. Stir.
- Gradually stir in the grated and parmesan cheeses.
- Add the pasta and stir.
- Serve right away and enjoy!
I put my finished macaroni in an oven proof dish, covered it, and kept it in a 300 degree oven until dinner time. (Maximum time was 15 minutes.)
Recipe adapted from All You Need is Cheese
Let’s look again… mmmmmmmmm
This dish is great served as a side dish too. Just serve it alongside some chicken and green vegetables! Yum!
Have a delicious day!
Yummy Linking: Tip Junkie, The Winthrop Chronicles, Chef-in-Training, 33 Shades of Green, SNAP, The 36th Avenue, Whipperberry, Tatertots and Jello
Hi I'm Jo-Anna! I mom. I blog. I cook. I craft. I like pretty things.
This mac & cheese looks fab! I love the idea of making it a tomato version!
Thank you Katie! I love the tomato addition too! Just a little more yummy!
Jo-Anna
Oh yum! I loooove mac n cheese and the addition of the tomato is pure genius.
GENIUS, I say GENIUS – can’t wait to try this – looks creamy and delish!
Yummy!
They look amazing!
I would love to have you link them (or any other recipe of yours) up to Wednesday Extravaganza – my Foodie Link Party :)
Here is the link:
http://www.hungrylittlegirl.com/1/post/2012/10/wednesday-extravaganza.html
Can’t wait to see you there!
Oh good heavens- that looks DIVINE!
The tomato addition really makes it special. Yum!
That looks so good! I’m always on the look out for great side dish recipes! would you come link this up at our friday recipe linky party? be so honored if you did! ~~katie http://www.katieslanguagecafe.com/2012/10/french-cuisine-friday-recipe-link-up-6.html
Oh man…this looks to DIE for. Seriously yummy! I may just have to whip this up soon!
I would LOVE for you to link this up at my Ginger Jamboree Link Party!!
This looks like my kind of food!!
Helen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
I found this on Pinterest and made it tonight, it was AMAZING!! I used a mix of Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar and parmesan cheeses and it was so good. It is very filling for a main dish, next time I may make it a side for grilled chicken. It would be good with Sweet Italian Sausage too!
Awesome post.