Macaroni And Tomatoes

When you're seeking comforting, cozy food, you need this recipe for macaroni and tomatoes. Simple by nature, this dinner uses just a handful of pantry staples, including tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, and canned tomatoes. We liven it up with some herbs and garlic, and the final result is rich and deeply flavorful, but humble.

Serve with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a salad, and you barely have to even think about what's for dinner. You can even make this as a side dish for roast chicken or grilled pork tenderloin.

Learn how to make macaroni and tomatoes. A pro tip? When you reheat the leftovers, add a little more chicken broth since the pasta will soak up most of the liquid as it sits.

What Is Macaroni and Tomatoes?

A simple, comforting dish made with macaroni and stewed tomatoes, macaroni and tomatoes is a traditional American dish with roots in Southern and Appalachian cuisine. It's often seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes sugar for additional sweetness, along with herbs, onions, or garlic.

During the Great Depression and other hard economic times, dishes like macaroni and tomatoes developed as a way to create a hearty, satisfying meal for the whole family using just a few key ingredients. A popular dish to this day, it remains a nostalgic side dish or main course.

Ingredients for Macaroni and Tomatoes

Garlic, thyme, tomatoes, macaroni, and a few key seasonings come together for this comforting dish that will remind you of home. To make macaroni and tomatoes, you'll need:

• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps infuse the garlic and thyme into the dish.
• Minced garlic: Adds a savory depth.
• Dried thyme: For a floral, herbal note.
• Chicken broth: Liquid base to cook the macaroni while adding a savory flavor.
• Canned tomato sauce: A smooth tomato sauce with a vibrant tomato flavor.
• Uncooked elbow macaroni: Cooks in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors of the dish.
• Canned stewed tomatoes: Adds texture and sweetness to the dish, with chunks of tomato throughout.
• Granulated sugar: Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring out their natural sweetness.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley: Brightens the dish with a pop of freshness and color.
  

How To Make Macaroni and Tomatoes

Tuck into this cozy side dish or main course in just 20 minutes, with only one pot to clean when you're done—It doesn't get much better than that. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Heat aromatics: Melt butter in a Dutch oven. Add garlic and dried thyme and cook, stirring, until fragrant.
• Step 2. Add macaroni: Add broth and tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni and reduce heat to low.
• Step 3. Cook until al dente: Simmer, stirring often, until macaroni is al dente.
• Step 4. Add tomatoes: Stir in stewed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and remaining butter.
• Step 5. Finish and serve: Cook until warmed through. Remove from heat, and stir in parsley. Garnish with additional parsley before serving.
  

Macaroni and Tomatoes Variations

For a twist on this nostalgic dish, consider these variation ideas:

• Garlic: To make this dish even quicker to prepare, swap the minced garlic with garlic powder or garlic paste. You can also add in roasted garlic for a more mild flavor profile.
• Dried thyme: Swap with dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning, if preferred, or fresh thyme or basil.
• Heat: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Veggies: Bulk up the dish with bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or other preferred vegetable additions.
• Broth: If keeping the dish vegetarian, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Tomatoes: If you aren't a fan of large chunks of tomatoes, chop up or swap the stewed tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes.
• Bulk it up: Add extra protein by mixing in cannellini beans, leftover shredded chicken, cooked sausage, or crispy bacon.
• Extra cheese: Finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese for an extra-cheesy touch.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Macaroni and Tomatoes

Store leftover macaroni and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust the consistency before serving.

You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage, but the texture may change after thawing. We think enjoying what's left for lunch the next day is a much better option.

What To Serve With Macaroni and Tomatoes

If serving this dish as a vegetarian main course, pair with a side of garlic bread, a side salad, or steamed or roasted vegetables. Pair with grilled or roasted chicken, cooked sausages, pork tenderloin, or other favorite proteins as a hearty side dish.

More Simple Pasta Dishes the Whole Family Will Love

Getting dinner on the table fast is a priority, but these pasta-based dishes aren't just easy to prepare, they're satisfying, comforting, and recipes you'll want to make on repeat:

• Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
• Tortelloni-and-Grilled Vegetable Salad
• Cacio e Pepe
• Ravioli Lasagna
• Creamy Pesto-and-Shrimp Penne with Peas
• Chicken Tortellini Salad

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.