Pesto Mac

 

Macaroni and Cheese is a favorite in my household.  In fact, Bacon Mac is Dude’s very favorite dish.

Then one day I planned to make some mac and cheese, but my pesto plant was going insane, so I thought, why not pesto mac?

Then the kids surprised me.  They didn’t really think it was a true mac and cheese, but they both agreed that it was the closest I’ve ever gotten to their favorite pesto sauce from the restaurant chain, Noodles and Company.  What?!?  Just craziness!

  

So there you have it.  This was a hit in my house, not as mac and cheese, but as a restaurant copycat.  Oh, and I did have to make bacon mac the next week since this “didn’t count”, even though it was thoroughly enjoyed. Ha!  Teenagers! 

Pesto Mac

8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded

⅓ cup prepared basil pesto

Cook the macaroni to al dente.  Meanwhile, heat the butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat.  Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.  Slowly whisk in the milk until thickened.

Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, and cheddar.  Stir until melted.  Stir in the pesto and cooked macaroni and serve.