This pesto mac and cheese recipe is a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish. Combining the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the rich, complex flavors of pesto, this dish is sure to be a hit with both adults and kids. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a potluck with friends.
The main ingredients for this recipe are elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, havarti cheese, and pesto. Havarti is a Danish cheese that is buttery, slightly acidic, and has a subtle sweetness which makes it perfect for a creamy dish like this. If you can't find it in your regular supermarket, look for it in a specialty cheese store or substitute it with another creamy cheese like Gouda or Fontina.
Ingredients for the Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe
Elbow macaroni: This is a type of pasta named for its twisted tubular shape. It's commonly used in mac and cheese because its shape holds the sauce well.
Unsalted butter: Used to create a roux, which forms the base of the cheese sauce. Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
All-purpose flour: This is mixed with the butter to create the roux. It helps thicken the sauce.
Whole milk: This adds creaminess to the cheese sauce. Whole is preferable for a richer taste.
Havarti: A Danish cheese that adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to the dish. If unavailable, substitute with Gouda or Fontina.
Pesto: A sauce originating from Italy, made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It adds a complex flavor to the mac and cheese.
One reader, Annabal Sanderson says:
This pesto mac and cheese recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and the burst of flavor from the pesto make it a delightful twist on traditional mac and cheese. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and a go-to comfort food. Highly recommended for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Key Techniques for Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe
How to prepare the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the elbow macaroni. Cook for about 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
How to make the roux: Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a paste.
How to make the cheese sauce: Add whole milk to the roux and whisk until smooth. Increase the heat to medium and continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded havarti cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
How to incorporate pesto: Fold in the pesto into the cheese sauce until well combined.
How to combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine, and cook until the pasta is warmed through.
How to season and serve: Season the pesto mac and cheese with salt and pepper to taste, then serve and enjoy!
How To Make Pesto Mac and Cheese
Put some herby twist with the usual mac and cheese with this 20-minute dish. It’s cooked in a flavorful pesto sauce with milk and Havarti cheese.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozelbow macaroni
- 4tbspunsalted butter
- ¼cupall-purpose flour
- 2cupswhole milk,room temperature
- 2cupsHavarti,or mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3tbsppesto,or store bought basil pesto
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about 8 minutes just until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the flour to create a paste.
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Add the milk and whisk until smooth. Increase the heat to medium and continue whisking for about 2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
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Stir in the shredded cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Fold in the pesto.
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Add the pasta, stirring to combine, and cook just until the pasta is warmed through.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 376.28kcal
- Fat: 13.92g
- Saturated Fat: 6.91g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.76g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.79g
- Carbohydrates: 51.20g
- Fiber: 2.22g
- Sugar: 5.64g
- Protein: 11.05g
- Cholesterol: 29.16mg
- Sodium: 376.01mg
- Calcium: 123.35mg
- Potassium: 248.12mg
- Iron: 1.27mg
- Vitamin A: 102.30µg
Crucial Technique Tip for Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe
When making the cheese sauce, it's important to add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly. This ensures a smooth and creamy sauce. If you add all the cheese at once, it may clump together and not melt evenly, resulting in a lumpy sauce. Also, using a whisk can help break up any potential lumps and create a smoother consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pesto Mac and Cheese
Prep ahead: Prepare the pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will save time when making the mac and cheese.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large pot to cook the pasta and make the sauce in the same pot to minimize clean-up time.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and preparation.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion of the mac and cheese and store the leftovers for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the time spent on post-cooking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe
elbow macaroni - Substitute with penne: Penne is a great substitute for elbow macaroni as it has a similar shape and texture, making it a suitable choice for mac and cheese recipes.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce without compromising the texture.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a creamy texture to the mac and cheese.
havarti - Substitute with gouda: Gouda cheese offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for havarti in the recipe.
pesto - Substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto: Sun-dried tomato pesto adds a unique twist to the dish, infusing it with a rich, tangy flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Pesto Mac and Cheese
Elevate the plating: When presenting the pesto mac and cheese, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean, white plates to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to pop. Arrange the mac and cheese thoughtfully, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor and aroma to the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts, to provide a delightful contrast in texture. Sprinkle these over the top just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Utilize complementary side dishes: Pair the pesto mac and cheese with a complementary side dish, such as a refreshing mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This adds depth to the overall presentation and provides a well-rounded dining experience.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that every detail is meticulously arranged. Precision in plating demonstrates a high level of culinary skill and attention to detail.
Consider portion control: While presenting the dish, ensure that portion sizes are carefully controlled, reflecting a balance between indulgence and sophistication. Each portion should be visually appealing and inviting.
Highlight the pesto swirl: Use a small spoon or squeeze bottle to create an artistic pesto swirl on the plate before adding the mac and cheese. This decorative touch adds a professional and artistic flair to the presentation.
Emphasize the cheese pull: When serving the pesto mac and cheese, aim to capture the enticing cheese pull effect. Present the dish in a way that allows for an impressive cheese stretch when served, creating an engaging and memorable dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Pesto Mac and Cheese
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the pasta.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to stir the flour into the butter and milk to create a smooth sauce.
- Colander: A colander is used to drain the cooked pasta.
- Grater: A grater is used to shred the havarti cheese.
- Spatula: A spatula is used to fold in the pesto and combine the pasta with the sauce.
Storing and Freezing Pesto Mac and Cheese
- To store leftover pesto mac and cheese, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating refrigerated mac and cheese, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore the creamy texture, as the pasta may have absorbed some of the sauce during storage.
- To freeze pesto mac and cheese, portion it into individual servings or a large freezer-safe container, ensuring there is some space left at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen mac and cheese, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, transfer the mac and cheese to a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or cream, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat thawed pesto mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently and adding a bit of milk or cream as needed to maintain the creamy consistency.
- For best results, consume frozen and reheated mac and cheese within 1-2 months, as the texture may change slightly over time due to the freezing and thawing process.
How To Reheat Leftover Pesto Mac and Cheese
The best way to reheat leftover pesto mac and cheese is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Another option is to reheat the mac and cheese on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a saucepan over low heat and add a splash of milk to help loosen the sauce. Stir gently and continuously until the mac and cheese is heated through and the sauce is smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the pesto mac and cheese in the microwave. Transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of milk. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters and microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mac and cheese is heated through.
For a crispy top, after reheating the mac and cheese using any of the above methods, transfer it to an oven-safe dish and place it under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If the leftover pesto mac and cheese seems dry, add a dollop of fresh pesto and a splash of milk before reheating to help revive the flavors and texture.
Interesting Fact About Pesto Mac and Cheese
The pesto mac and cheese recipe is a delicious fusion of Italian and American cuisines. Pesto, a traditional Italian sauce made from basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, adds a flavorful twist to the classic mac and cheese dish. This combination creates a creamy, cheesy, and aromatic pasta dish that is sure to please the whole family.
Is Making Pesto Mac and Cheese at Home Cost-Effective?
This pesto mac and cheese recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and havarti cheese, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The addition of pesto adds a flavorful twist without breaking the bank. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $12-$15, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Is Pesto Mac and Cheese Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pesto mac and cheese recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on high-fat ingredients like butter, whole milk, and havarti cheese, which can contribute to high cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
- The use of all-purpose flour and elbow macaroni means the dish is high in refined carbohydrates, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide little nutritional value.
- The recipe lacks any significant source of fiber, vitamins, or minerals, as it does not include vegetables or whole grains.
However, the inclusion of pesto does add a small amount of healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, as well as some vitamins and minerals from basil.
To make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste, consider the following modifications:
- Swap out half of the elbow macaroni for a whole grain variety or even a legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein
- Reduce the amount of butter and cheese used, and consider replacing some of the havarti with a sharper, more flavorful cheese like aged cheddar or parmesan, so you can use less while still achieving a satisfying taste
- Incorporate vegetables into the dish, such as sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes, to boost the nutrient content and add depth of flavor
- Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk to reduce the overall fat content of the sauce
By making these adjustments, you can transform this indulgent comfort food into a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your cravings for creamy, cheesy goodness.
Editor's Opinion on This Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe
This pesto mac and cheese recipe is a delightful fusion of Italian and American comfort food. The creamy and cheesy sauce, infused with the vibrant flavors of pesto, elevates the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. The combination of havarti and pesto adds a rich and herby dimension to the dish, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The simple yet flavorful ingredients come together beautifully, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Buon appetito!
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Why trust this Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and vibrant pesto flavors. The creamy havarti cheese adds a rich and indulgent touch, while the aromatic pesto infuses the dish with a burst of fresh basil and garlic notes. The meticulous process of creating a velvety cheese sauce ensures a luscious and satisfying texture. Trust the harmonious blend of quality ingredients, including the finest elbow macaroni and homemade pesto, to elevate your mac and cheese experience to new heights.
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