Pesto Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
407 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Pesto Mac and Cheese
Description
Pesto Mac and Cheese starts by cooking elbow macaroni to al dente and setting it aside. A roux is formed by melting butter and stirring in flour. Gradually, whole milk is whisked in over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Shredded Havarti or mozzarella cheese is stirred in until melted and smooth.
Store-bought or homemade basil pesto is then folded into the cheese sauce, infusing it with herbal, slightly nutty notes. The cooked pasta is added and gently warmed to combine everything evenly. Seasoning with salt and black pepper adjusts the flavor.
This dish is best served immediately while warm and creamy, suitable as a main or side. The choice of Havarti or mozzarella yields a mild cheese taste that allows the pesto to stand out without overpowering the pasta’s texture.
The recipe is adapted from the Two Peas & Their Pod Cookbook, indicating it has a tested home-cooking basis.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk at room temperature, whole
- 2 cups Havarti or mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons pesto or store bought basil pesto
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook just until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the flour to create a paste.
- Add the milk and whisk until smooth. Increase the heat to medium and continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Fold in the pesto.
- Add the pasta, stirring to combine, and cook just until the pasta is warmed through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is published with permission from the Two Peas & Their Pod Cookbook, ensuring its tested reliability.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 407 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 407 | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 180mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 240mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 590IU | 12% |
| Calcium | 175mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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