Creamy Pesto Mac & Cheese

Side Dish

Creamy pesto mac with spinach?! YES PLEASE! I love pesto and I LOVE spinach! And who doesn’t love mac n cheese?!

This combination is so rich, creamy, and just delicious! I can’t believe I haven’t thought of adding these flavors together before!

You can have this as a meal or a side dish! Either way, you are going to enjoy every bite!


Ingredients:

  • 2 CUPS Uncooked macaroni
  • 2 Tbsp Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Flour
  • 2 CUPS Whole milk
  • 1/2 CUP Grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 Basil pesto
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • Freshly cracked peppe
  • 1/2 lb. Frozen spinach

Directions:

  1. Thaw the spinach at room temperature or in the microwave. Squeeze out the excess water. Set the spinach aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the macaroni noodles. Boil for 7-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the macaroni in a colander.
  3. While the pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce. Add the butter and flour to a small sauce pot. Heat and stir the butter and flour over medium heat until it forms a creamy paste and begins to bubble. Continue to stir and cook for about one minute more.
  4. Whisk the milk into the butter and flour, then allow it to come up to a simmer while whisking.
  5. When it reaches a simmer, the sauce will thicken. Remove the sauce from the heat.
  6. Whisk the parmesan and pesto into the sauce until smooth.
  7. Season the sauce with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
  8. Turn the heat off and return the cooked and drained pasta to the large pot and add the thawed spinach.
  9. Pour the sauce over top, then stir until everything is combined and coated in sauce. Serve immediately.
  10. Enjoy!

Related