If you're a new reader to my blog, you must know that I have a thing for pasta. It could be that it's super simple to make or it could be that when I'm not cooking I'm training for a marathon, so inevitably I eat a lot of pasta! Nevertheless, I'm always in the market for a satisfying pasta dish. In my times of brain block, I often head to Noodles & Co to fill up on their amazing pasta dishes the night before a long run. So when the wonderful people at Noodles & Co offered me the chance to try out their new Grown Up Mac & Cheese selections, I immediately responded with a big "YES"!!
My co-worker and I headed to the new St. Paul location on University Avenue for lunch one afternoon and I ordered the Truffle Mac. This cheesy dish starts the same as their traditional mac & cheese, but then its amped up with some white truffle oil, sliced cremini mushrooms, and seasoned breadcrumbs, topped with Parmesan cheese. Seriously?
Nope, they aren't joking! This really is mac & cheese for grown ups. The truffle oil is perfection, giving this classic dish a huge kick in the face. It adds a rich depth of flavor and this earthy quality that turns a child's favorite into a dish I'd gladly pair with a nice glass of wine. The bread crumb topping provides some lovely texture, bonding to the cheese and soaking up the yummy flavors. Plus, the cremini mushrooms are perfect. They aren't as overwhelming as portobello slices could have been, and the mushroom slices round out the tastiness of this mac & cheese. Can you tell I'm swooning? *Swoon*
As gluttonous as I can be, I exercised some self control and boxed half of the mac & cheese up (it's a big plate!). But I certainly chowed it down for lunch the next day. I have a thing for reheated mac & cheese. And this version was seemed even more cheesy and gooey than the day before. Win!
But you know what the best part of this blog post is? I'll tell you. Not only did Noodles give me the opportunity to try out their Grown Up Mac & Cheese, they want to give YOU the same chance! I have a gift bag filled with fun swag and a coupon for a free (huge) bowl of any of their delicious pasta offerings. You can try out the Truffle Mac or their two other featured dishes: Chili Mac or Bacon, Mac & Cheeseburger. (It's also good for their classic menu items.)
In order to win this goody bag, just comment below, telling me your favorite Noodles & Co dish OR your favorite mac & cheese dish! Make sure you leave your name in the comment so I know who you are!! I'll randomly select the winner next Friday -- so comment away and best of luck to you all!
**Check back on Friday the 13th for the winner -- it could turn out to be your luckiest of unlucky days!!**
**Check back on Friday the 13th for the winner -- it could turn out to be your luckiest of unlucky days!!**
I love Noodles, I think I could eat there everyday :) I usually get the Pasta Fresca but the last time I was there I had the Chili Mac...delicious. The server made it a point to mention that if I didn't like it to please return it and they would make something else for me...I saw that posted on the door when I went in...NICE!
ReplyDeleteYes, you are quite gluttonous.
ReplyDeleteIsaac it doesn't count unless you answer the question! :)
ReplyDeleteIn my limited experience I haven't found anything better and easier than Velveeta Shells & Cheese. I know that'll probably make some people cringe. Hope I win so I can expand my palate!
ReplyDeleteUnknown reader above -- make sure you leave your name too so I know who you are :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite mac and cheese dish is at haute-dish. They put king crab in it!
ReplyDelete-Tom Snyder
In love, love, love with the mac and cheese from Haute Dish. They use larger/wider noodles with this amazing cheese sauce and add king crab and truffles. Then they toast breadcrumbs on top--absolutely out of this world!
ReplyDelete~Teresa
My favorite mac and cheese is Kraft Mac and Cheese spirals. Yep, the stuff in the blue box. It takes me back to my childhood... yum. And when you cut up hot dogs and put ketchup on it? I could eat it every day.
ReplyDeleteAt noodles and co, I do a nice little rotation of penne rosa, pasta fresca, and lately the whole grain tuscan linguini.
ReplyDeleteOverall favorite....penne noodles with a homemade zucchini red sauce I learned from a buddy that played football in Italy for several years.
-Robin Moore
I have 11-year-old triplet boys and Noodles is our favorite. It's fast, but not junk food. We love it! They get mac and cheese (traditional, not adult style). Although one of my sons has taken to exploring the menu -- pan noodles last time -- he loved them.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love the mushroom stroganoff with beef. And mostly I love the ciabatta roll. Mmmm. And (also full disclosure) we usually get either two cookies or two rice krispie bars to share.
--Amie Penny Sayler
PESTO CAVATAPPI! Mushrooms, tomatos, PESTO, noodles... oh my. Now that's a dish I can swoon over. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the blog posts, Christine! It's exciting to blogger with yummy recipes who happens to be local.
I had some pretty tasty mac & cheese with mushrooms, black olives, and broccoli at the Chatterbox a couple of weeks ago!
ReplyDeleteAnnie Lindquist Payseur
Too few places offer a whole wheat pasta option... So, my favorite is the whole wheat tuscan linguine (no mushrooms) !! Mmmm my mouth is literally watering as I type!
ReplyDeleteI suppose I can answer. Big fan of the Indonesian Peanut Saute.
ReplyDeleteWe have a family friend who comes over on holidays with his home made mac and cheese, that is one of the best I've ever had. Nice and cheesy with bread crumbs on top for texture. I've never been to Noodles before, but everyone says they make good dishes.
ReplyDeleteIndonesian Peanut Sauté is my favorite Noodles dish!
ReplyDeleteI actually had this Truffle Mac delight on my birthday last year and I agree it was awesome!!! It was a big deal for me because every time I go there I always stick with favorite soba noodle shitake muschroom dish. But, I was certainly not disappointed. I must say though that mac and cheese is like pizza, it can be enjoyed in so many varieties. My latest being the Chrsitmas Shapes Kraft Mac I just snagged at Super Target for 58 cents and mixed with spinach... ummm awesome! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Truffle Mac & Cheese is good, but I'm partial to Broccoli-Bacon-Spinach and Artichoke Dip Mac & Cheese at Chatterbox.
ReplyDeleteGiada is my favorite. I saw her make this
ReplyDeletehttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/index.html
I made it a few weeks ago and it deserves 6 stars.
I'm a big fan of Noodles & Co's Tuscan Linguine...but every so often I get down with a big bowl of their mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli. Would love to try the truffle oil though!
ReplyDelete