Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Primavera Mac and Cheese is a creamy and fresh recipe, which is made with tender spring vegetables and a rich two-cheese sauce. It’s the perfect one-pot weeknight dinner, ready in about 30 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Primavera Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 1 pound medium pasta shells
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup small broccoli florets
- 2 scallions, sliced, whites and green parts separated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
- 1 cup shredded white Cheddar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
How To Make Pioneer Woman Primavera Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, the white parts of the scallions, the garlic, asparagus, and bell pepper. Season with the salt and pepper and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Make the Sauce: Splash in the white wine and allow it to bubble and reduce for 1 minute, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the milk and cream and continue to cook until the mixture is warmed through. Stir in the frozen peas.
- Add Cheese and Finish: In a separate small bowl, toss the shredded fontina and cheddar cheeses with the cornstarch. While stirring the sauce constantly, sprinkle in the cheese mixture. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted.
- Combine and Serve: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken, about 1 minute. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with the reserved green parts of the scallions and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a perfectly smooth cheese sauce? The secret is to toss your shredded cheeses with the cornstarch before adding them to the hot liquid. This prevents the cheese from clumping together and helps the sauce thicken beautifully without becoming lumpy or greasy.
- How do you keep the vegetables from getting mushy? It’s important to cook the fresh vegetables for just a few minutes until they are “crisp-tender.” They should be bright in color and still have a slight bite, as they will continue to soften slightly in the hot cheese sauce.
- Can I make this ahead of time? This dish is at its absolute best when served fresh and hot from the stove, when the sauce is at its creamiest. If you have leftovers, you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- What’s the best wine to use? A dry, crisp white wine that you would enjoy drinking is the best choice. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay are all fantastic options that add a bright, acidic flavor to the sauce.
What To Serve With Primavera Mac and Cheese
This is a hearty, all-in-one comfort food meal that contains protein (from the cheese), starch, and a generous amount of vegetables. It is perfectly served on its own, but also delicious with:
- A simple grilled chicken breast on the side
- A slice of crusty garlic bread for sopping up the sauce
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
How To Store Primavera Mac and Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove over low heat, adding a generous splash of milk and stirring frequently until it is hot and creamy again.
Primavera Mac and Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 1150mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, absolutely! u0022Primaverau0022 means spring in Italian, so any tender spring vegetables would be wonderful. Diced zucchini, snow peas, or fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end) would all be delicious additions.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes. To make this recipe without wine, simply substitute the 1/2 cup of white wine with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
Why is my cheese sauce gritty?
A gritty sauce is almost always from using pre-shredded, bagged cheeses. These are coated in starches that can prevent them from melting smoothly. For the creamiest, most foolproof sauce, always shred your own cheese from a block.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Broccoli Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Pioneer Woman 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe
Pioneer Woman Primavera Mac and Cheese Recipe
Description
A quick and easy one-pot stovetop mac and cheese packed with fresh spring vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, all coated in a rich and creamy two-cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente; drain.
- In a large pot, heat the butter and oil. Sauté the broccoli, scallion whites, garlic, asparagus, and bell pepper for 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Deglaze the pan with the white wine, then stir in the milk and cream. Stir in the peas.
- Toss the shredded cheeses with the cornstarch.
- While stirring the sauce, sprinkle in the cheese mixture and continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened.
- Fold in the cooked pasta until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with the green parts of the scallions and serve immediately.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for a perfectly smooth sauce is to toss the shredded cheeses with the cornstarch before adding them to the pot; this prevents clumping.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best texture, do not overcook the vegetables; they should be bright and still have a slight bite.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t overcook your pasta; it should be cooked to al dente as it will continue to soften slightly in the hot sauce.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis dish is a perfect, hearty meal for a busy weeknight as it all comes together in one pot in about 30 minutes.u003c/liu003e
