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Romanos Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese Recipe

Romano's Macaroni Grill Mac and Cheese Recipe

A creamy, cheesy Italian-style copycat mac and cheese made with Parmesan, cream cheese, truffle oil, white wine, and chicken stock, then finished under the broiler for a golden top.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g 8.8 oz macaroni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon 20 ml extra virgin truffle oil
  • 300 ml 10.1 oz cheap white wine
  • 1 1/4 cups 310 ml chicken stock
  • 90 g 3.1 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 14 g 0.49 oz corn flour or cornstarch
  • 90 g 3.1 oz soft cream cheese
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • Extra Parmesan for topping

Method
 

  1. Prepare the cheese mixture: Finely grate the Parmesan and whisk it together with the cornstarch. Set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water for 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
  3. Reduce the wine: While the pasta cooks, boil the white wine over high heat for 5–6 minutes, until reduced to about 2 tablespoons and slightly syrupy.
  4. Make the sauce: Add the chicken stock to the reduced wine and lower the heat. Whisk in the Parmesan-cornstarch mixture for about 1 minute until smooth. Turn off the heat.
  5. Combine: Toss the drained macaroni with truffle oil. Fold in the cheese sauce and softened cream cheese until creamy and glossy.
  6. Bake: Transfer to a small or medium baking dish. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and broil at 240°C (465°F) for 4–5 minutes, until golden brown.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Finely grated Parmesan gives the smoothest sauce.
  • Cook the pasta 1 minute less than usual so it does not become mushy under the broiler.
  • Let the cream cheese soften before mixing it in.
  • If the sauce seems thick after refrigeration, add a small splash of milk or chicken stock when reheating.