Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Creamy Pesto Mac and Cheese with Spinach
Creamy Pesto Mac and Cheese with Spinach brings together uncooked macaroni, whole milk, and grated parmesan. Check the draining or squeezing instruction before combining everything. The quick notes will help you get the small jobs lined up before you start.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Original yield
- Serves 4
- Ingredients
- 9 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Preparation & total time
- Quick dinners · Prep: 15 minutes or less · Total: 30 minutes or less
- Budget (estimated)
- Low cost
- Dietary characteristics
- Vegetarian
- Dish type
- Pasta
A few quick notes
1. Do the draining step before mixing
Check the draining or squeezing instruction before combining everything. Finish that little preparation step first, so you are working with the ingredient in the form this recipe expects.
2. Check the thawing step first
Look at which ingredient needs thawing before you begin the cooking. Use the form called for in the ingredient list and follow any draining or squeezing step that comes with it.
3. Give the simmer its place
Keep the simmering stage in the sequence when planning the meal. Follow the heat and texture checks in that step rather than rushing straight to the finish.
Get to know the ingredients
Uncooked macaroni
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Cook the macaroni for 7–10 minutes, until tender, then drain it.
Whole milk
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Gradually whisk in the milk.
Grated Parmesan
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Stir in the Parmesan and basil pesto until smooth.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
Ingredient note
Original: 1/2 lb for six servings. Scaled exactly to four servings: 8 oz × 4/6 = 5 1/3 oz.
How to make it
0 of 5 steps completeMake room for Creamy Pesto Mac and Cheese with Spinach
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Keep the last little job in mind
The recipe finishes with this step: Add the thawed spinach and sauce, stir thoroughly, and serve immediately. Set out what you need for that finish before the cooking gets busy.
A little more help as you go
Keep the first boil and the next step together
Read what happens once the mixture comes to a boil. Have the next ingredient or heat adjustment ready, and continue with the sequence the recipe gives.
Have the whisking step ready
Set out the ingredients for the whisking step together. Follow that part of the preparation before moving to the next cooking or mixing stage.
Use the microwave sequence in the recipe
Read the microwave stages and checks before you start. Follow the settings and texture checks given for this recipe, including any note about differences between microwaves or container sizes.
A few questions you might have
What should I get ready before starting?
Set out the pot and saucepan. Read the first preparation step before you get going: Thaw the spinach in the microwave, squeeze out the excess water, and set it aside.
Which little step is worth remembering?
Check the draining or squeezing instruction before combining everything. Finish that little preparation step first, so you are working with the ingredient in the form this recipe expects.
What check should I look for as it cooks?
Keep this part of the method in view: Stir until the mixture is creamy and bubbling, then cook and stir for about one more minute.
Is there another preparation step to plan for?
Read what happens once the mixture comes to a boil. Have the next ingredient or heat adjustment ready, and continue with the sequence the recipe gives.
Ingredient substitutions
- The original publisher permits other pesto flavors, including kale or sun-dried tomato pesto, in place of basil pesto. Check the chosen pesto’s ingredients for your dietary needs.
Options described by the original publisher. Ingredient quantities and groceries stay as listed; review changes in your pantry.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: Budget Bytes. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
View saved recipe card
Fixed portions in this saved image. Use the recipe above for current ingredients and serving amounts.
Open full-size card ↗
