Barilla® Cheddar Pesto Mac & Cheese
Barilla® Cheddar Pesto Mac & Cheese
35 minutes total / Calories 748
- Classic Blue Box
- Dairy/Cream
- Expert
- Fall Recipes
- Gatherings
- Pesto Sauce
- Short
- Weekend
- Weeknight
- Winter Recipes
Barilla Festive Favorites Series: Try mac & cheese with a zesty kick — Barilla® Rustic Basil Pesto sauce.
Cheese Pasta Recipes
Ingredients
Serves 8
| 1 | Box Barilla® Elbows |
| 1 | Jar Barilla® Rustic Basil Pesto |
| 4 | Tbsp. butter |
| 4 | Cups 2% milk |
| 1 | Shallot, diced |
| 4 | tbsp. flour |
| 8 | Oz. Cream Cheese |
| 4 | Cups Shredded Cheddar, Divided |
| To Taste | Salt and white pepper |
Disclaimer
Individuals with allergies or specific dietary concerns should verify that the ingredients they utilize for the recipes comply with their restrictions.
Method
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Step 2
Meanwhile in a small pot, heat the milk and bring to a simmer.
Step 3
In a large skillet melt the butter and sauté shallots until soft, then add the flour, stir together and cook for 1 minute over medium heat. Add the milk and bring to a simmer, cook for approximately 10 minutes making sure to stir often, then season with salt and white pepper.
Step 4
Add 2 cups of the cheddar, the cream cheese and 1/2 jar of pesto; whisk to form a smooth sauce.
Step 5
Cook the pasta 3 minutes less than the recommended time. Drain and toss the pasta with the sauce.
Step 6
Spray a 13" x 9" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Add 1/2 of the mac and cheese, layer the remaining 2 cups of cheddar and add the rest of the mac and cheese on top.
Step 7
Bake in a preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes or until brown and bubbling on top.
Step 8
Remove from the oven and set aside to rest for 10 minutes. Mix in remaining pesto to taste.
Elbows
Elbows, Gomiti or Chifferi in Italian, is named for its twisted tubular shape that can vary in size and be either smooth or ridged. Pasta Elbows originated from Northern and Central Italy, where they are traditionally used in soups.
Barilla® Elbow pasta is made with non-GMO ingredients. For more information, please read our position.
- Shape Short
- Cook time 7–8 mins
- Range Classic Blue Box