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Broccoli Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe

Broccoli lovers get ready. In this video I show you how to make an easy and healthy broccoli pesto that is swirled into a creamy and decadent macaroni and cheese. It is everything you need in a comfort food.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

  • Broccoli Pesto
  • 4 ounces broccoli florets
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • Mac and Cheese
  • 1/2 pound macaroni pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 pound cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Add walnuts to the food processor and finely chop them. Add in broccoli and pulse until minced. Add in olive oil and pulse to combine.
  • Bring water to a boil and then properly salt it. See the instructions in my video for how to salt your pasta water.
  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Melt butter over a medium low heat. Sift in flour and mix to thoroughly combine.
  • Add sea salt and slowly work in milk. Turn heat up to medium high and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes over a low simmer, reducing heat as needed. The mixture will thicken.
  • Turn off heat.
  • Add a handful of the cheese, mix in until fully melted, then add more. You can leave the pan on the burner to assist with melting the cheese. Do not turn the heat back on or you risk the cheese sauce breaking.
  • Using a slotted spoon, scoop out cooked pasta, shaking off all excess water. Transfer to cheese mixture and mix to fully coat. Do not strain or rinse the pasta.
  • Do until all pasta is mixed into the cheese mixture.
  • Add spoonfuls of the broccoli pesto to the mac n cheese, and fold in to create a marbled effect. Top off with chopped parsley and serve.
    Broccoli Pesto Mac and Cheese 1