Pioneer Woman Primavera Mac And Cheese

This delicious Pioneer Woman Primavera Mac and Cheese is a quick and creamy dish packed with fresh veggies. It’s an easy, comforting meal that you can make with simple, everyday ingredients. Perfect for busy nights, this cheesy pasta will satisfy everyone at the table!

Ingredients Needed

• 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 Primavera Mac And Cheese

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, scallion whites, garlic, asparagus, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper, then cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
3. Add the wine: Pour in the white wine and allow it to reduce for about 1 minute.
4. Make the sauce: Add the milk and cream to the pot and cook until warmed through. Stir in the peas.
5. Prepare the cheese: In a bowl, toss together the fontina cheese, Cheddar cheese, and cornstarch.
6. Combine cheese and sauce: While stirring the sauce, slowly sprinkle in the cheese mixture. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle the reserved scallion greens on top as garnish.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Veggies: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli, asparagus, and bell peppers instead of frozen. They’ll stay crispier and add more vibrant color.
• Melt Cheese Slowly: When adding the cheese to the sauce, sprinkle it in gradually while stirring. This helps it melt evenly and prevents clumps.
• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more milk to achieve the desired creamy texture.
• Season Well: Taste the sauce before mixing in the pasta. You may need to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers primavera mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place leftovers primavera mac and cheese  in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.
• Reheating: To reheat  leftovers primavera mac and cheese , microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk, stirring for 3 minnutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup (187g)

• Calories: 240
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Potassium: 160mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Calcium: 260mg
• Iron: 1mg​

More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chili Mac Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Lobster Mac And Cheese
• Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joe Mac And Cheese
• Pioneer Woman​ Best Macaroni Salad Recipe