Italian Stove-Top Mac and Cheese recipe - Canadian Living

By EdieK

Italian Stove-Top Mac and CheeseYou can prepare this dinner favourite in minutes with ingredients found in your pantry. Prepared pesto makes a great substitute for fresh basil when it is not in saeson.

Ingredients

• Total time : 25 minutes Portion size: This recipe makes 4 servings
• You can prepare this dinner favourite in minutes with ingredients found in your pantry. Prepared pesto makes a great substitute for fresh basil when it is not in season.
• 2 tbsp butter (30 mL)
• 1/2 onion , finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 3/4 tsp dried Italian herb seasoning (4 mL) 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 3 3tbsp tbsp(45 mL)
• 2 cups milk (500 mL)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (10 mL) 1/4 tsp salt (1 mL)
• 1 cup shredded old Cheddar cheese (250 mL)
• 1 plum tomato , diced 2 tsp prepared pesto (10 mL)
• 2-1/2 cups elbow pasta , (12 oz/340 g)(625 mL)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (60 mL)

Preparation

Step 1

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat; cook onion, garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 3 to 4 minutes.

Sprinkle with flour; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, mustard and salt; cook, whisking, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in Cheddar cheese until smooth.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine tomato and pesto; set aside.

Meanwhile, in large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return to pot. Add sauce and toss to coat.

Serve sprinkled with tomato mixture and Parmesan cheese.


Source : Canadian Living Magazine: February 2012