Shrimp with Pesto Mac and Cheese

Mac & Cheese is really one of the ultimate comfort foods. This fantastic recipe takes plain old mac to a new level by adding gourmet cheeses, shrimp and pesto. Pesto really is great with cheese and seafood dishes. I absolutely love Shrimp or Lobster pizza with a yummy pesto base and fresh goat cheese!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fresh or frozen large shrimp
• 8 oz. dried elbow macaroni
  
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
  
• 1 cup half-and-half
  
• 1-1/4 cups shredded Fontina cheese
  
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 2 Tbsp. pine nuts, toasted
  
• 1-1/2 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
  
• Fresh basil leaves

Recipe Directions:
Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Peel and devein shrimp, removing tails. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels. Chop shrimp and set aside. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and keep warm. In large bowl stir together eggs, butter, half-and-half, 1 cup of the Fontina cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, chopped basil, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir in shrimp and macaroni. Transfer to buttered 2-quart casserole. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through and shrimp pieces are opaque. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil leaves.
Source:Pesto Shrimp Mac and Cheese Recipe