Creamy Tuscan Chili Mac

Creamy Tuscan Chili Mac is a luxurious fusion of comfort food favorites, blending the hearty nature of traditional chili mac with sophisticated Italian-inspired ingredients. This easy-to-prepare main dish combines tender macaroni with a creamy, cheese-filled sauce accented by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach.

Pin

This recipe is designed for efficiency and flavor, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. By browning the meat with onions and bell peppers before simmering the pasta directly in the broth and cream, every ingredient contributes to a deeply savory and cohesive meal.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
• 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.

Step 5

Add diced tomatoes (with juice), broth, heavy cream, and macaroni. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce is slightly thickened.

Step 7

Stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.

Step 8

Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker

🔥 Black Friday: 57% OFF — Rare Occasion!

I personally use this model all the time for my recipes — soups, stews, rice, slow-cooking… it does everything. If you've been thinking about getting one, this Black Friday deal is **honestly one of the best I’ve seen**.

👉 Get the Black Friday Deal

For an even deeper flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce while it simmers. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded will result in a smoother, creamier texture as it melts into the pasta.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To create a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. For protein variations, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work as excellent alternatives to ground beef or Italian sausage.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Tuscan Chili Mac hot with a garnish of fresh basil leaves. This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chianti to balance the richness of the cheese and cream.

Pin

With its blend of Italian flair and classic comfort, this Creamy Tuscan Chili Mac is a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Its rich texture and vibrant colors make it a standout dish for any weeknight dinner.

Soft, absorbent towels keep counters dry while cooking, wiping spills, and handling dishes during everyday recipe prep.

Check price on Amazon

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes this Tuscan-style?

Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, dried oregano and basil, plus Parmesan cheese give this dish its distinctive Tuscan Italian flair.

→ Can I make this lighter?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, use ground turkey instead of beef, or try plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.

→ What pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni holds sauce beautifully in its curves, but shells, cavatappi, or penne also work well with this creamy preparation.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, cooled portions freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of cream.

→ What wine pairs nicely?

A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chianti complements the rich, creamy flavors without overpowering the dish.

→ How spicy is this?

Optional red pepper flakes add mild heat. Adjust the amount or omit entirely for a family-friendly version.