PESTO MAC AND CHEESE
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion: Pesto Mac and Cheese. This culinary delight seamlessly blends the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the vibrant, aromatic flavors of fresh pesto. Picture perfectly cooked macaroni, lovingly coated in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce that’s been kissed by the herbal and nutty notes of pesto. The result? A symphony of textures and tastes that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level of satisfaction.
Our Pesto Mac and Cheese is a culinary adventure that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a delightful union of classic comfort and a refreshing twist, making it the perfect dish for those seeking a touch of elegance in their everyday meals. Join us in savoring this delectable creation, where tradition meets innovation in every savory bite.
THE PASTA
My favorite pasta to use for this recipe is elbow macaroni. But you can also use any type of pasta you prefer. I would recommend ziti, penne or rigatoni .
Begin by cooking the pasta to the perfect al dente texture, following the package instructions, and don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. As the pasta simmers, save around half a cup of the cooking water, and once the pasta reaches its ideal doneness, simply drain it.
This way, you can efficiently multitask, starting the sauce while the pasta cooks, ensuring everything is ready in harmony.
THE PESTO SAUCE
Our Pesto Sauce is a vibrant and fragrant condiment that celebrates the essence of simplicity and freshness. Crafted from the finest ingredients, this green
masterpiece combines the aromatic allure of fresh basil leaves with the richness of pine nuts, the pungency of garlic, and the creaminess of Parmesan cheese, all beautifully bound together with the finest extra-virgin olive oil.
With each spoonful, you’ll experience a burst of flavors that’s both herbaceous and nutty, a harmonious blend that awakens your senses and elevates your dishes. This versatile sauce is perfect for enhancing pasta, sandwiches, salads, and so much more.
Savor the purity of our Pesto Sauce, where the lush colors and flavors of nature come together in every delicious drop, and elevate your culinary creations to a whole new level of delight.
Ingredients you need for the sauce:
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Pesto paste
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
OTHER OPTIONS TO TRY:
- You can add some protein to this dish such as chicken.
- You can use different kinds of cheese such as cheddar cheese, mozzarella, parmesan or Gouda cheese.
If you’ve given this recipe a try and it won you over, please share your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! If you have any questions about this recipe, don’t hesitate to ask – I’m here to help and will respond promptly.
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PESTO MAC AND CHEESE
Ingredients
- 240 g pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp pesto sauce
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and follow the instructions on the package for cooking time. Before draining, remember to save at least 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In a saucepan, add the butter, olive oil over medium heat. Add in the chopped garlic and let it simmer until fragrant.
- Add in the heavy cream and give it a good stir.
- Add in the pesto paste and stir well till combined. Season with pepper, salt and garlic powder. Let it simmer for a bit.
- Lower the heat and add the parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese and mix.
- Now add in the cooked pasta, along with the pasta water and mix until incorporated.
- In a baking dish, add a layer of the pasta, top it with a layer of mozzarella then add another layer of the pasta and top with extra mozzarella.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 5-10 minutes or until it’s nicely golden.
- Enjoy while warm!