Description
Indulge in the creamy delight of Pesto Macaroni Bake with White Cheddar, a rich and comforting dish that elevates simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience. This crowd-pleaser features tender macaroni enveloped in a luscious white cheddar and pesto sauce, all baked to perfection for a golden, bubbly finish. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is not only delicious but also adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded aged white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, half of the white cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and melted.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the pesto.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large bowl until well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with remaining white cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sauté vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before combining them with the pasta. Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda for a unique twist on flavor.