Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
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

Picture this: you’re at Olive Garden, surrounded by breadsticks, when suddenly the mac and cheese arrives and makes you forget about everything else.

That’s not just cheese – it’s a hug in a bowl, Italian-American style.

After realizing that my ‘quick trips’ to Olive Garden for mac and cheese were neither quick nor budget-friendly, I made it my mission to recreate this comfort food masterpiece at home.

This recipe is the result of multiple cheese pulls, several ‘just one more bite’ moments, and the kind of dedication that only a true mac and cheese enthusiast can understand.

Caution: mastering this recipe might make you the designated mac and cheese person at every potluck from now on. Trust me, there are worse titles to have!

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!

What's In The Post?

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.

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.

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