Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Delight
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this delightful creamed spinach mac and cheese that combines classic comfort with a nutritious twist. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is both easy to prepare and visually appealing.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or shells or cavatappi)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 10 oz fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 3 cups whole milk (or 2% or non-dairy milk)
- 4 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Breadcrumbs (for baking, optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a little butter or olive oil over medium heat until wilted. If using frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed and drained. Set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden, stirring continuously.
- Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and sautéed spinach to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Taste your mac and cheese and adjust with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you desire.
- For a crispy top, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: This dish can be prepared in advance. Just assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also add cooked chicken, bacon, or beef for a heartier meal.