Name: Creamy Walnut Pesto Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1/2 c. chopped California walnuts, plus more for serving -; 2 c. fresh basil leaves -; 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil -; 1 clove garlic, minced -; Kosher salt -; 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan -; 3/4 c. macaroni, cooked -; Kosher salt -; Freshly ground pepper -; 3 tbsp. butter -; 3 tbsp. flour -; 3 c. whole milk -; 1 c. (3-oz.) shredded American cheese -; 2 c. (3-oz.) shredded sharp cheddar -

Recipe information

Cooking:

20 min.

Servings per container:

Source:

More details

Ingredients for - Creamy Walnut Pesto Mac & Cheese

1. 1/2 c. chopped California walnuts, plus more for serving -

2. 2 c. fresh basil leaves -

3. 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil -

4. 1 clove garlic, minced -

5. Kosher salt -

6. 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan -

7. 3/4 c. macaroni, cooked -

8. Kosher salt -

9. Freshly ground pepper -

10. 3 tbsp. butter -

11. 3 tbsp. flour -

12. 3 c. whole milk -

13. 1 c. (3-oz.) shredded American cheese -

14. 2 c. (3-oz.) shredded sharp cheddar -

How to cook deliciously - Creamy Walnut Pesto Mac & Cheese

1. Stage

Make the pesto: In a medium skillet, toast the walnuts over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until golden, about 8 minutes. Scrape into the bowl of a mini food processor and let cool slightly. Add basil, oil, garlic, and a large pinch of salt. Process until smooth. Pulse in Parmesan, just until combined.

2. Stage

Make the mac & cheese: In a medium pot of boiling salted water, boil macaroni until al dente, per package instructions. Drain noodles. Return empty pot to medium-high heat and melt butter. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring constantly, until sauce just thickens, about 3 minutes.

3. Stage

Remove from heat and add cheeses a handful at a time, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to coat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the pesto.

4. Stage

Serve mac and cheese topped with remaining pesto and chopped walnuts.