Italian MAC & CHEESE
"Liber de coquina" is the name of an ancient cookbook written in Latin dating back to the 1200s. Among its handwritten pages, you can find the recipe for "Makerouns," a pasta dish with cheese, whose name inevitably reminds us of our macaroni. Who knows if this is the beginning of the story of the dish we affectionately call Mac & Cheese today.
It is certainly in the 18th century that Mac & Cheese set out to conquer the world. They found a place in the famous English cookbook The Experienced English Housekeeper and, in France, they met the American president, Thomas Jefferson. He was so struck by their taste that he wanted to reproduce them in his villa in Monticello, Virginia. So, it's with him that the "macaroni and cheese" began their first journey to the United States.
Whether a main course or a side dish for meat-based recipes, Mac & Cheese is an American classic that has never forgotten its European roots. It's a timeless recipe that tells a long story and reminds us that sometimes, the love of one person is enough to take us to the farthest corners of the world.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
400 g short pasta of your choice
400 ml milk
200 g Parmigiano Reggiano DOP 18 months Emilia Food Love
80 g Mild Provolone Emilia Food Love
100 g Soft Pecorino Emilia Food Love
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 level tablespoon of white flour type "00"
Fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
Method
- Bring plenty of salted water to a boil. In the meantime, grate the three cheeses into a saucepan and add the milk, the nutmeg, and a pinch of pepper.
- Melt the resulting mixture on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil. Add the tablespoon of flour and stir with a whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Drop the pasta in the boiling water and drain it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time. Stir the pasta over medium heat with the sauce, adding a little cooking water to distribute the sauce evenly.
- Serve the hot pasta with a sprinkling of black pepper and a few leaves of fresh parsley.
Tip: If you want an even more intense flavor, you can choose to use the 36-month DOP Parmigiano Reggiano, Strong Provolone, and Aged Pecorino.
Also in Cookbook
PASTA ALLA GRICIA
Some restaurants call it “white Amatriciana,” but Pasta alla gricia has its own story and a strong identity. This traditional dish from the Lazio region owes its name to the itinerant bakers who used to cook it, or perhaps, more simply, to the place that saw its birth: the tiny village of Grisciano.
One thing’s for sure: its rich flavor and the irresistible aroma of Pecorino Romano are ready to win you over. Our Pasta alla Gricia is made with spaghetti, but feel free to try this recipe with any pasta shape you like—long or short, it’s always a success.
PICI with Aglione Sauce
Can a dish once considered "humble" become an iconic representation of one of Italy's regions richest in gastronomic culture? Absolutely— especially in the case of Pici with aglione sauce: a simple traditional recipe, whose few and healthy ingredients are true symbols of Tuscan cuisine.
Why is aglione also called “kissing garlic"? What’s the difference between pici and spaghetti? And how long does it take to make perfect Pici with aglione sauce? All your questions will be answered.
PICI cacio e pepe
When we first introduced you to our Tuscan pici, we immediately recommended trying them with Cacio e Pepe—so in a way, we made a promise. And today, we’re here to keep it.
This classic Pici Cacio e Pepe recipe is wonderfully simple to prepare. Its success lies in the extraordinary and unforgettable flavors of just three ingredients: pasta, Pecorino cheese, and black pepper. Its preparation is an opportunity to be enveloped in the scents and warmth of Tuscan cuisine, in absolute (and precious) relaxation.