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.
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 and 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!