Hello Foodies! Welcome to Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe. Olive Garden Mac and Cheese is a creamy, baked pasta dish featuring cavatappi pasta, cheese sauce, and crispy topping.
I am Neeru and in this post, I am going to cover the Olive Garden Macroni and Cheese Recipe along with its ingredients, equipment, expert tips, origin, and much more!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Course: Main Course
- Servings: 4 People
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
What is Olive Garden Mac and Cheese?
Olive Garden Mac and Cheese is a signature dish from the popular Italian-American restaurant chain.
It’s a creamy, cheesy pasta bake made with macaroni, a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Italian seasonings, resulting in a comforting and indulgent comfort food classic.
Why make Olive Garden Mac and Cheese at Home?
Making Olive Garden Mac and Cheese at home offers control over ingredients and portion sizes, customization options, and cost savings.
Enjoy a comforting meal in the comfort of your own home, perfect for a cozy night or special occasion, and impress family and friends with a crowd-pleasing dish.
What does Olive Garden Mac and Cheese taste like?
When I taste Olive Garden Mac and Cheese, I experience a rich, creamy, and velvety texture that coats my tongue.
The flavors of sharp cheddar, smooth mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan meld together in harmony, with a subtle Italian seasoning undertone. It’s comforting, indulgent, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni | 8 oz |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, grated |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| All-purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Equipment You’ll Need
Below I have listed the exact equipment needed for preparing the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Large Pot – Boil macaroni
- Medium Saucepan – Make cheese sauce
- Whisk – Mix sauce ingredients
- Wooden Spoon – Stir macaroni and sauce
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – Bake macaroni and cheese
- Oven – Bake until golden and bubbly
- Cheese Grater – Grate cheese (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Measure ingredients accurately
How To Make Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
- Boil water in a large pot
- Add macaroni and cook until al dente
- Drain and set aside
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan
- Whisk in flour to make a roux
- Slowly add milk, whisking constantly
- Cook until thickened, bringing to a simmer.
Step 3: Combine Cheese and Sauce
- Remove sauce from heat
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted
- Season with salt and pepper
Step 4: Assemble the Mac and Cheese
- Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce
- Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Top with additional grated cheese (optional)
Step 5: Bake until Golden and Bubbly
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in a preheated oven.
- Remove when the top is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is heated through
Serving Suggestions
Below I have listed some serving suggestions for the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme
- Add a side of garlic bread or a green salad
- Pair with a glass of wine or iced tea
- Enjoy as a main course or comforting side dish
Storage Techniques
Cool macaroni and cheese to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight jar, then freeze for up to two months or refrigerate for up to three days.
Warm it up again in the microwave or oven until it’s well heated. Consider portioning into individual containers for easy reheating and serving.
Expert Tips
Below I have mentioned some tips for your Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Mix multiple cheeses for depth of flavor
- Al dente macaroni for the creamy texture
- Add a crunchy topping for contrast
- Experiment with add-ins for personal touch
Health Benefits
Below I have mentioned some health benefits of the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- Complex carbs for sustained energy
- Protein for muscle growth, repair & maintenance
- Calcium for strong bones, teeth & immune system
- Customizable with veggies, whole grains & lean proteins for balanced nutrition
Nutritional Information
Below I have mentioned the nutritional information of the Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Protein | 20-25g |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8-10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
| Sugar | 5-6g |
| Sodium | 400-500mg |
| Cholesterol | 30-40mg |
| Calcium | 20-25% DV |
| Iron | 10-15% DV |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.
History and Origin
Macaroni and cheese originated in Italy in the 12th century, brought back by the Crusaders. The dish evolved in Europe, particularly in Scotland and England, where it became a staple.
Introduced to North America by British colonizers, it gained popularity in the United States in the 18th century.
Wrapping Up
Begin by cooking macaroni al dente, then set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour for a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
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Happy Cooking♥
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Olive Garden Mac and Cheese?
Olive Garden Mac and Cheese is a creamy, baked pasta dish featuring cavatappi pasta, cheese sauce, and crispy topping.
What is Olive Garden Mac and Cheese made of?
Olive Garden Mac and Cheese is made with cavatappi pasta, parmesan sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and romano cheese, topped with breadcrumbs.
Is Olive Garden Mac and Cheese vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian.
What is cavatappi pasta?
Cavatappi pasta is a type of Italian macaroni shaped like a corkscrew or helix, great for trapping cheesy sauces.
Can I freeze Olive Garden Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Recipe Card
Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot – Boil macaroni
- Medium Saucepan – Make cheese sauce
- Whisk – Mix sauce ingredients
- Wooden spoon – Stir macaroni and sauce
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – Bake macaroni and cheese
- Oven – Bake until golden and bubbly
- Cheese Grater – Grate cheese (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Measure ingredients accurately
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
- Boil water in a large pot
- Add macaroni and cook until al dente
- Drain and set aside
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan
- Whisk in flour to make a roux
- Slowly add milk, whisking constantly
- Cook until thickened, bringing to a simmer.
Step 3: Combine Cheese and Sauce
- Remove sauce from heat
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted
- Season with salt and pepper
Step 4: Assemble the Mac and Cheese
- Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce
- Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Top with additional grated cheese (optional)
Step 5: Bake until Golden and Bubbly
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) in a preheated oven.
- Remove when the top is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is heated through