Caprese Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a widely adored staple, but sometimes it’s nice to mix it up! This caprese version includes all the classic flavors of the salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) but folded into mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces conchiglie (shell) pasta
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil, or more if needed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1 log (4 ounces) fresh goat cheese, finely grated
3/4 cup fresh basil
2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

Fill a 4- to 5-quart pot about three-quarters full with water and add 1 tablespoon of the salt. Bring to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions, stirring once or twice, until al dente. Then drain.
Using the same pot you used to make the pasta, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour and stir constantly until a paste forms, 30 to 45 seconds. Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the mixture starts to darken slightly and smells a bit nutty. Turn heat to medium-low. Slowly whisk in the milk and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until the mixture is hot and just beginning to bubble around the edges, 5 to 7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.

Add the cheeses and lemon zest and stir until the sauce is smooth but not runny. Add pasta, tomatoes, and basil and stir just until mixed in. Ladle into bowls and top with black pepper.

Serve right away.