MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES
Makes about 6 servings
Charred tomatoes add a smoky finish to the dish.
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
2 shallots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne pasta, cooked
1. In a medium Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil over high heat. Add tomatoes; cook, stirring frequently, until tomatoes begin to char, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove tomatoes from pan. Set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, shallot, and garlic to pan. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes.
