From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4
Pesto Mac & Cheese Shells
Instructions
1
Cook pasta shells in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4
Stir in pesto and mix until evenly combined.
5
Lower the heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
6
Add the cooked pasta shells and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and adjust consistency if needed.
7
Top with additional Parmesan before serving.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Reserve Pasta Water Before Draining 💧Save at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining—this is liquid gold for achieving that silky, restaurant-quality cheese sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling perfectly to the shells.
- Make a True Roux Base 🧈Melt butter and whisk in a tablespoon of flour to create a roux before adding cream and cheese; this prevents the sauce from breaking and ensures a velvety, stable emulsion that won't separate.
- Bloom Powdered Spices in Butter 🌶️Toast the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in the warm butter for 30-60 seconds before adding cream to unlock their full flavor potential and eliminate any raw, dusty taste.
- Add Pesto at the End, Off Heat 🌿Stir pesto into the finished sauce after removing from heat to preserve its bright, fresh basil flavor and vibrant green color—high heat can make it taste bitter and dull.
- Layer Your Cheeses Strategically 🧀Add mozzarella and cheddar to the hot sauce first (they melt smoothly), then fold in Parmesan last and reserve extra for topping—this prevents clumping and ensures distinct cheese flavors shine through.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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