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4.6 from 156 votes

Creamy Pesto Mac and Cheese with Spinach

A simple creamy sauce infused with basil pesto makes this Creamy Pesto Mac and Cheese with spinach the ultimate comfort food WITH a dose of vegetables!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 (1 cup each)
Calories: 33358 kcal
Course: Main Course , Others

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni $0.50
  • 2 Tbsp butter $0.22
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.02
  • 2 cups whole milk $0.60
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan $0.53
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto $0.55
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • freshly cracked pepper $0.03
  • 1/2 lb. frozen spinach $0.80

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Thaw the spinach at room temperature or in the microwave. Squeeze out the excess water. Set the spinach aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the macaroni. Boil for 7-10 minutes, or until tender. Drain the macaroni in a colander.
  2. While the pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce. Add the butter and flour to a small sauce pot. Heat and stir the butter and flour over medium heat until it forms a creamy paste and begins to bubble. Continue to stir and cook for about one minute more.
  3. Whisk the milk into the butter and flour, then allow it to come up to a simmer, while whisking. When it reaches a simmer, the sauce will thicken. Remove the sauce from the heat.
  4. Whisk the Parmesan and pesto into the sauce until smooth. This will further thicken the sauce. Season the sauce with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Make sure the sauce is well seasoned as the flavors will be less concentrated once the pasta and spinach are stirred in.
  5. Return the cooked and drained pasta to the large pot (heat turned off) and add the thawed spinach. Pour the sauce over top, then stir until everything is combined and coated in sauce. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cup Calories 333.58kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 39.75g (13%) Protein 12.33g (25%) Fat 14.08g (22%) Sodium 665.92mg (28%) Fiber 2.75g (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6(1 cup each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 33358

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cup
Calories 333.58kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 39.75g 13%
Protein 12.33g 25%
Fat 14.08g 22%
Sodium 665.92mg 28%
Fiber 2.75g 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.