Pesto Shrimp Mac and Cheese
Dive into the ultimate comfort food upgrade with this irresistible Pesto Shrimp Mac and Cheese! This creamy, flavor-packed dish combines tender elbow macaroni, succulent sautéed shrimp, and a luscious cheese sauce infused with vibrant pesto for a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite. The sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a velvety base, while the fresh pesto adds a burst of herby richness, perfectly complementing the juicy shrimp. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of pesto for the ultimate gourmet mac and cheese experience. This is comfort food redefined—bright, bold, and utterly delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow macaroni
- 1 lb Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup Pesto sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with 0.5 tsp of salt, 0.5 tsp of black pepper, and the red pepper flakes (if using). Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture, stirring until smooth and melted.
Stir in the pesto sauce until fully incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper, if needed.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated.
Fold in the cooked shrimp gently to avoid breaking them apart.
Serve hot and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of pesto sauce, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1084 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.1 g | 82% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.3 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 246 mg | 82% | |
| Sodium | 1785 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.1 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 60.0 g | 120% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 978 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 605 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
