Pesto Mac and Cheese
My creamy stovetop pesto mac and cheese is made from scratch in only 15 minutes! It's the perfect spring side, especially for Easter Sunday. I love serving it alongside ham, but it also goes great with grilled or fried chicken. I hope you love this recipe as much as my husband, Tyler, and I do!
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow pasta
- 1 Tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (I use organic unbleached)
- 3/4 cup milk (I use whole milk)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar (I use organic)
- 1/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded gouda cheese
- 1/4 cup pesto (homemade is best)
Instructions
Cook Pasta
- Fill a medium sized pot 1/4 of the way with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add a tsp or two of salt to the water, if desired, for more flavorful pasta.
- Add pasta to boiling water then cook as package directs (about 6-7 minutes on medium heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking). Start making sauce while this cooks.
- Once cooked, drain pasta into the sink so there’s no more water in the pot. Set pasta aside until sauce is finished.
Make the Sauce
- While pasta cooks, add butter to a skillet and melt over medium heat.
- Turn heat to low and whisk in flour to make the roux, it will be thick. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- Once roux has cooked, add milk and whisk until completely combined. There should be no more lumps.
- Turn heat up to low-medium and let warm until sauce has thickened, whisking occasionally.
- Add salt and vinegar. Whisk to combine.
- Add shredded white cheddar and gouda cheeses. Whisk until combined and smooth.
- Add pesto, whisk to combine and take off heat.
Combine Sauce and Pasta
- Add drained pasta to sauce and stir to evenly mix until all noodles are coated. Enjoy!
Notes
Please see blog post for storage information and all kinds of helpful tips plus serving ideas.
Did you make this recipe? – Please leave a comment below or share a photo on social media! If you share a photo be sure to tag me @plumbranchhome
A Note From Molly – This recipe was developed and tested by me, NEVER AI (artificial intelligence). My recipes here on Plum Branch Home are created with purpose and cherished in our own home. What you see from Plum Branch Home is real. It’s made for a reason, tested, and loved!
Here at Plum Branch Home we’re serving God by loving our families one simple, wholesome, made from scratch recipe at a time!