Mediterranean Macaroni & Cheese

The Olio Nuovo version of our Mission variety delivers exceptionally fresh olive oil, preserving its full, fruity character while adding a touch of bright green freshness compared to the “regular” version. This recipe is excellent with Mission, but truly off-the-charts delicious with Mission Olio Nuovo.

Mediterranean Macaroni & Cheese

Jonathan Sciabica
Servings

4

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Category

Dinner

My grandmother made this pasta for me after school almost every day. I called it “pastina” because she would use small pasta shapes like riso (orzo). Today I love it with elbow macaroni, but feel free to use your favorite!

Jonathan Sciabica

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp Mission Olio Nuovo
  • 1/2 Lb Elbow, Riso, or Orzo Pasta
  • 3/4 Cups Pecorino Romano
  • 1 Pinch Fresh Cracked Black Pepper To Taste

Directions

  1. Boil water in a small sauce pan, 3/4 full.
  2. While waiting for water to boil, finely grate Pecorino Romano cheese.
  3. Add 1/2 pound (1 cup) Riso shape Pasta to boiling water. Follow instructions on package for cooking time.
  4. Strain cooked pasta. Pour pasta back into pan while still dripping, keeping a little pasta water in the pan.
  5. Drizzle olive oil into pasta. Stir.
  6. Add 1/2 of the cheese to pasta. Stir. Add 1/2 of the remaining cheese, saving a little to sprinkle. Stir.
  7. Crack black pepper onto pasta.