spinach mac n cheese recipe

The Best spinach mac n cheese recipe

I’ve been making this spinach mac n cheese recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a comforting dish that never fails to bring a smile to my kids’ faces.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste with various types of cheese and add-ins. I love that this recipe is a great way to get my kids to eat more greens, as they’re not always the most enthusiastic about veggies.

Plus, it’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like holidays or potlucks. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it healthier and more flavorful, using whole wheat pasta and a blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese.

The result is a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite of pasta perfectly. This spinach mac n cheese recipe has become a go-to for me when I need something quick and satisfying for my family.

It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables and cheese in the fridge. One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a main course or side dish, depending on your preference.

My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to mix in the spinach and watch the magic happen as the pasta cooks. This dish has been a hit at every gathering I’ve taken it to, and I’m confident it will be at your next event too.

Spinach Mac and Cheese

4.9 from 708 votes

A creamy, comforting mac and cheese recipe with a healthy twist. Spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild flavor to this classic dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika

For the Spinach

2 cups fresh spinach

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375Β°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
5In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
7Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the roux is light brown.
8Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
9Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
10Add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the sauce.
11Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
12Add the spinach to the cheese sauce and stir until it is wilted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
13If using fresh spinach, this should take about 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
14If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it before adding to the sauce.
15Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese and spinach sauce in a large bowl.
16Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
17Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
18Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
19Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

πŸ”§Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Baking dish

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 5g❀️Cholesterol: 30mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5gπŸ₯©Protein: 15g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

This spinach mac n cheese recipe has become an essential part of our meal routine at home – whether we’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or need something impressive for company.

Its simplicity makes it easy enough for even novice cooks to master while its versatility means you can adjust ingredients according to your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days; alternatively, freeze them securely wrapped for later enjoyment.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Mac and Cheese

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw it first by leaving it in room temperature for a few hours or by microwaving it according to package instructions. Frozen spinach may have higher water content than fresh, so keep an eye on the amount of liquid released during cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have whole wheat pasta? Can I use regular pasta instead?

A: While regular pasta will work in this recipe, whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrients to each serving. If you prefer regular pasta, just be aware that the flavor might not be as rich and nutty as with whole wheat.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance but avoid assembling the final dish until you’re ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without making them dry?

A: To prevent drying out your leftovers, try reheating them over low heat or in the microwave with a lid on top. You can also add some extra milk or cream if needed.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this spinach mac n cheese recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese options like cheddar or parmesan.

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