Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese Pasta
This is not your average mac and cheese. The Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese Pasta is a rich, creamy dish infused with bold Mediterranean flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta, oregano, garlic, and fresh herbs. By combining the comfort of classic macaroni and cheese with the vibrancy of Mediterranean ingredients, this dish delivers a satisfying yet refreshing twist. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to upgrade your mac and cheese game.
PREP & COOK TIME
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
INGREDIENTS
For the Pasta:
12 oz elbow macaroni (or penne)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red onion, finely diced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, oregano, and baby spinach (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in feta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Combine:
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Garnish with parsley.
Optional Bake (for golden top):
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Use high-quality cheeses like Greek feta and fresh Parmesan for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta — keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
Warm the milk slightly before adding it to the roux to speed up the thickening process.
Add lemon zest at the end to brighten the whole dish without curdling the dairy.
VARIATIONS
Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a combination of cashew cheese and nutritional yeast.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a swirl of harissa or chili oil.
Roasted Veggies: Add roasted zucchini, eggplant, or red peppers.
Crunchy Top: Add breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and herbs before baking for a crispy topping.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat and bake just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I substitute the pasta?
A: Yes! Penne, fusilli, or shells all work great.
Q: Is it spicy?
A: Not by default, but you can easily add heat with crushed chili or spicy cheese.
NUTRITION (Approx. per serving – based on 6 servings)
Calories: 480
Protein: 19g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Calcium: ~30% DV
Sodium: ~550mg
Note: Nutrition varies depending on ingredients and cheese brands used.
CONCLUSION
This Mediterranean Macaroni and Cheese is a rich, soul-warming meal layered with complexity from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy cheeses. It merges the best of Mediterranean flair with classic comfort food. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—you can dress it up with more vegetables, add protein, or keep it simple for pure cheesy goodness. Whether you’re entertaining or feeding your family, this pasta promises to deliver flavor, comfort, and satisfaction in every bite.