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!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Add the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture, stirring until smooth and melted.

Step 6

Stir in the pesto sauce until fully incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated.

Step 8

Fold in the cooked shrimp gently to avoid breaking them apart.

Step 9

Serve hot and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of pesto sauce, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2467.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6701.1

Total Fat 387.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 156.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 29.3g
Cholesterol 1538.1mg	0%
Sodium 11095.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 436.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.3g	0%
Total Sugars 53.5g
Protein 369.6g	0%

Vitamin D 380.3IU	0%
Calcium 5857.1mg	0%
Iron 26.3mg	0%
Potassium 3346.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.0%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 26.0%