Description

Macaroni Schote is a comforting German-inspired pasta dish featuring elbow macaroni cooked al dente and sautéed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a rich tomato and cheese sauce. This hearty skillet meal can be customized with vegetables or protein and is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both nostalgic and flavorful.

Ingredients

Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni

Sautéed Vegetables and Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup frozen peas or corn (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup pasta water or milk (to loosen sauce)

Cheese and Garnish

1 cup grated cheese (such as cheddar or Gouda)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the macaroni aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped green and red bell peppers, cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings: Mix in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water or milk, stirring well to create a cohesive sauce that coats the vegetables.
Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni and grated cheese into the skillet. Toss everything together until the macaroni is evenly coated and the cheese is melted, adding more pasta water or milk as necessary to achieve a creamy consistency.
Serve: Dish out the Macaroni Schote warm and garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

“Macaroni Schote” is a nostalgic, home-style dish popular in German-speaking areas—especially among children.
Feel free to add cooked sausage, ground beef, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to customize the dish.
Use either olive oil or butter depending on your preference for richness and flavor.
Adjust the amount of pasta water or milk to control the creaminess of the sauce.