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Pesto Mac and Cheese
Experience the comfort of classic mac and cheese, elevated by the vibrant, herbaceous twist of homemade basil pesto. This creamy, indulgent dish is oozing with a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, harmoniously intertwined with our fragrant pesto. It's a simple yet impressive meal that takes you on a journey to the heart of Italian cuisine without leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Salt
- to taste
- Black Pepper
- to taste
- Basil Pesto
- 1/2 cup
- Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup, shredded
- Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup, shredded
- Milk
- 2 cups
- All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoons
- Macaroni
- 2 cups, uncooked
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions with a pinch of salt. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This forms your basic bechamel sauce.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the basil pesto, add salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the saucepan, stirring until the pasta is well coated with the cheese and pesto sauce.
- Serve your pesto mac and cheese hot, garnishing with a dollop of extra pesto or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.
Tips
- For a gourmet touch, add cooked bacon, chicken, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a vegetarian version, consider adding steamed broccoli or roasted red bell peppers.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Calories: 600 Fat: 30g Carbs: 55g Protein: 25g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 8g
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