Stovetop Pesto Mac and Cheese

This stovetop pesto mac and cheese recipe is quick, simple, creamy, and so flavorful! A perfect weeknight meal filled with cheese and pesto.

Do you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This easy stovetop pesto mac and cheese recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this dish is ready in under 20 minutes. Plus, it’s loaded with flavour thanks to the cheesy pesto sauce.

Pesto is always a crowd pleaser, so this dish is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Give it a try tonight!

I love homemade mac and cheese, it’s one of my favourite comfort foods. I also love pesto, so I decided to combine the two and create a stovetop pesto mac with an incredible creamy pesto sauce.

This recipe is easy to make and it’s a great way to use up leftover pesto. Plus, it’s delicious! So if you’re looking for a new twist on the classic comfort food, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Variations on Pesto Macaroni and Cheese

• Switch up the pesto! Instead of using traditional pine nuts and basil pesto (Pesto Alla Genovese), use sun-dried tomato pesto (Pesto rosso).
• Add Chicken. Throw in some chopped up rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts for a chicken pesto mac. Cooked sliced or crumbled sausage is good too.
• Bake it. Pour it into a casserole dish, top it with buttered breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until crispy! Serving this creamy pesto mac as a baked casserole topped with a breadcrumb mixture is a satisfying version of the classic
• Don’t be shy about the veggies! Chopped kale or spinach, steamed broccoli, frozen peas, or sun-dried tomatoes all work really well as mix-ins.

Tips for the BEST Stove-top Mac and Cheese

• Do not use pre-grated cheese. They are tossed in anti-clumping additives that keep the cheese from melting nicely. You’ll get a more flavourful cheese and creamier cheese sauce when you grate your own.
• Season the pasta water well with salt.
• Cook the pasta until just al dente for best results.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Mac & Cheese

Let your mac and cheese completely cool off to room temperature, then store in an airtight container, or in a bowl tightly covered in plastic wrap, in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, you can throw it in the microwave but I always find that it is best re-heated over low heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

About the Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Macaroni & Cheese

Pasta – I used Farfalle but any short pasta shape will do like Macaroni, penne, or cavatappi. Make sure you cook the pasta to just al dente, and salt the water before cooking.

Cheese – We used a combination of cheddar and Parmesan. I recommend that if you are changing up the cheese that you stick with mild flavoured cheese so you don’t over-power the pesto. Havarti cheese, mozzarella cheese, or white cheddar are all great choices.

Milk – Whole milk will give the best flavour but you can use any milk fast percentage. If you want a really rich and cheesy creamy sauce, swap in heavy cream.

Flour – Just all-purpose flour to thicken the roux for the cheese sauce.

Butter – Using unsalted butter is best so you can have full control over the salt level of the sauce. Salted is ok too but make sure you taste test before adding additional salt as cheese can be quite salty itself! You can use olive oil instead to make the roux, but butter will give the best flavour.

Pesto – You can use homemade pesto or store-bought.

Salt & Pepper – Season to taste!

Looking for More Weeknight Pasta Dinner Recipes?

Check out some of my favourite easy pasta dinners!

When the weather begins to turn cold, snuggle up with this cozy & Creamy Cavatappi Pasta with Italian Sausage. It’s a tasty family dinner.

This Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes recipe is inspired by the TikTok famous cherry tomato pasta recipe. It’s easy and delicious!

Looking for a quick an easy soul filling dinner for your family? Look no further than this recipe for instant pot cheeseburger pasta!

    

How to Make Stovetop Pesto Mac and Cheese

Yields: 5-6 Servings | Prep time: 5 Mins | Cook time: 15 Mins

Ingredients:

• 16 oz of farfalle or other noodles
• 2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 Cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 Cup milk 
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 1/4 Cup butter
• 1/3 Cup pesto 
• Kosher salt & black pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of water over medium-high heat, about 9-11 minutes on a rolling boil. Remove from heat and drain. 

In a large saucepan, melt butter with the milk and add in the 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook on medium/high heat for 8-10 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.

Add in the cheeses and stir until melted, and you have a smooth sauce. 

Stir in the pesto and cooked pasta. 

Add salt & pepper to taste.

Serve with fresh basil.