Description
A wholesome and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese featuring whole wheat fusilli pasta tossed in a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce infused with vibrant kale pesto and juicy heirloom cherry tomatoes. This comforting dish balances nutrition and taste, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Fusilli Pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 1/2 cups White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Kale Pesto
Add-ins & Seasoning
- 1 cup Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- Salt, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously until the mixture turns semi-golden and lump-free, forming a smooth roux.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it fully melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Incorporate Pesto: Stir in the kale pesto into the cheese sauce to infuse vibrant herbal flavor throughout.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fusilli pasta to the saucepan and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy pesto sauce.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Gently fold in the halved heirloom cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pesto mac n’ cheese immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use whole milk or 2% milk for a creamier sauce; low-fat versions may alter texture.
- Kale pesto can be substituted with traditional basil pesto if preferred.
- For a smoother sauce, shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
- Heirloom cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, but regular cherry tomatoes work as well.
- Whole wheat pasta boosts fiber content, making this dish more nutritious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pesto Mac and Cheese, Whole Wheat Pasta, Kale Pesto, Cheesy Pasta, Healthy Mac and Cheese, Vegetarian Pasta
