Mac and cheese is always a favorite and there are so many ways to dress it up. This was a fun way to use left-over sauce and extra cheese.
It’s simple to make on a weeknight and so comforting on these chillier evenings.
Quick Mac n’ Cheese
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 1x
- Category: Main Dish
Ingredients
Scale
- 15.5 oz. can of black beans – drained
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 zucchini – shredded
- 1/4 cup of Italian parsley – chopped
- 8 oz. cheddar cheese – shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese – grated
- 2 slices bread – crumbled
- 1 lb. of your favorite macaroni
- 3 – 4 pats of butter
- 2 tbs. canola oil
- 2 tbs. olive oil
- 1 lb. of your favorite macaroni
Instructions
- Heat a large frying pan with the oil. Add the shredded zucchini and sauté; add the marinara sauce, parsley and the beans and continue to sauté on a low heat.
- Prepare the macaroni as directed.
- In a sauce pot heat the milk, cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until the cheese is slightly melted. Do not boil the milk.
- Butter a baking dish and add the cooked macaroni. Add the zucchini and bean sauce and the milk and cheese and toss. Crumble the bread on top; add grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Preheat Oven at 350 and bake for 25 – 30 minutes.
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Enjoy with Love,
Catherine
xo
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1
Ginny Hartzler says
You made it healthy! And it still looks great! Phil would love this, one of his favorites is black bean soup.
Comedy Plus says
If there is pasta I’m there. I love great mac and cheese.
Have a blessed day Catherine. Big hugs. ♥♥♥
Dottie Sauchelli Balin says
Dear Catherine, This Mac n Cheese is so different than what we are used to. I love when you kick it up a few notches. Love the bow ties pasta and the black beans…This is on my list for sure. I love when you bake it, you get the crunches of the pasta. Great job…Have a blessed Thanksgiving to you, Tammy, and Michael! Dottie 🙂
Jerry E. Beuterbaugh says
My wife insists that my general dislike of mac’n’cheese dishes serves as proof of the fact that I am just night right in the head.
Jerry E. Beuterbaugh says
P.S.: That should have been “just NOT right in the head.” Sigh.
gloria says
Look delicious Catherine!!
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, Mac ‘n Cheese is always a good satisfying dish, either as a main or as a side. This version is not only quick, but it’s also interesting and it sounds good! Thanks and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Louise says
Black beans have become a weekly dish around here lately Catherine. I love the notion of adding them to a comforting bowl of mac n’ cheese. (yes, my favorite way to eat mac n cheese is in a bow, all the more comforting, lol) The combination of sauces and cheesees and flavors does make this not only quick but extra special too. Perfect for this upcoming snowstorm, I’m afraid.
Thank you so much for sharing, Catherine…If it weren’t for the storm, Marion and I would have been down in New York this week {{{sigh}}}
Wishing you and your beautiful family a glorious Thanksgiving Catherine with lots and lots of leftovers!!! (aren’t they the best!) God Bless…
★★★★★
Liz says
Ooh, this looks like a terrific mac and cheese recipe! I’d be picking at all those crispy noodles on the top…so darn tempting. Happy Thanksgiving to both you and Tammy! xo
kitchen flavours says
This looks delicious, Catherine! Thanks for sharing, hope you have a lovely week!
[email protected] says
Thanks for sharing at The Southern Special. Mac and cheese is a staple around my house so I definitely will try your recipe.
Ginnie says
Mmm … this sounds delicious! I love the combination of the two sauce!