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Stovetop Pesto Macaroni and Cheese with Corn and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups large shell pasta (uncooked (6 cups cooked))
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup prepared pesto
  • 1 cup 4 ounces Wisconsin smoked fontina cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup 4 ounces Wisconsin aged gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (slivered)
  • 3/4 cup sweet corn (cooked)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
  • fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions, minus 2 minutes of cooking time. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta is cooking, make cheese sauce. Over medium high heat, melt butter in large sauce pan and whisk in flour. Cook while whisking for about 2 minutes. Add milk and whisk continuously to avoid any clumps. Cook until mixture thickens and begins to bubble, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in pesto, then add cheeses. Add corn and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with herbs. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

  • For a creamy sauce, always add cold milk to the flour mixture all at once and whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming.
  • Keep an eye on the cheese sauce; it should thicken and bubble gently, but avoid letting it boil vigorously to prevent the sauce from becoming gluey.
  • If you don't have fresh corn, frozen corn is a perfect substitute—just add it directly to the sauce without thawing first.
  • For a flavor boost, try swapping out the smoked fontina with regular fontina or even a sharp cheddar for a different taste profile.
  • This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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