From the Cook
1/2
Pesto Mac & Cheese
Instructions
1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2
In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3
Stir in pesto and cook for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
5
Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and sauce is creamy.
6
Add cooked pasta and mix to coat. Add pasta water a splash at a time until sauce reaches desired consistency.
7
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Master the Pasta Water Ratio 💧Reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining; add it gradually to your cheese sauce to achieve a silky, pourable consistency that coats the pasta perfectly without becoming gluey.
- Bloom Your Pesto in Butter 🧈Warm the pesto gently in melted butter with minced garlic for 1-2 minutes before adding cream to unlock its aromatic basil oils and prevent the fresh herb flavor from being muted by the heavy cream.
- Use Low Heat for Cheese Melting 🔥Keep your heat at medium-low when adding cheese to prevent the proteins from seizing and creating a grainy, broken sauce; stir constantly until completely smooth before serving.
- Layer Your Cheeses Strategically 🧀Add cheddar first for sharpness and body, then mozzarella for creaminess, and finish with Parmesan for nutty complexity; this order ensures balanced flavor and optimal melting characteristics.
- Toast Your Spice Blend 🌟Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika directly into the butter before adding pasta water to toast and activate the spices, intensifying their flavor so they don't taste dusty in the finished dish.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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