macaroni and cheese with spinach recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best macaroni and cheese with spinach recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite comfort food recipes – macaroni and cheese with spinach. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids.

They love the creamy pasta, the sweetness of the spinach, and the gooey cheese on top. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy this recipe is to make and how it can be adapted to suit any occasion.

Whether we’re having a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this macaroni and cheese with spinach is always a crowd-pleaser. I love how this recipe combines the classic comfort of macaroni and cheese with the added nutrition of spinach.

It’s a game-changer for picky eaters and health-conscious parents alike. The key to this recipe is in the cooking technique – by using a roux-based sauce and adding in some grated cheddar cheese, we get that perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes this dish so addictive.

My kids can’t get enough of it, and I’m happy to oblige them whenever they ask for it. This macaroni and cheese with spinach is more than just a recipe – it’s a tradition in our household, one that brings us all together around the dinner table.

Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach

4.8 from 1641 votes

A creamy and comforting macaroni and cheese dish infused with nutritious spinach, perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups whole 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
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5Add flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
6Gradually add milk, whisking continuously.
7Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
8Remove the saucepan from heat.
9Add cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
10Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
11In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
12Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
13Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
14Stir into the cheese sauce.
15Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce with spinach in a mixing bowl.
16Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Colander
Mixing bowl
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with your favorite cheese blend. For added flavor, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.

This macaroni and cheese with spinach is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, as a side dish, or even as part of a larger meal.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s easy to customize to suit your tastes. Want more cheese?

Add some extra grated cheddar on top! Want some extra flavor?

Try adding some diced herbs like parsley or thyme into the sauce. And when it comes to storage, you can easily keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach

Q1: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this macaroni and cheese with spinach recipe, I recommend using a medium-sized pasta shape such as elbow macaroni or cavatappi. These shapes hold onto the sauce nicely and provide a nice texture contrast.

Q2: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach in place of fresh. Just thaw it out first and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the recipe.

Q3: How do I prevent the cheese from separating when reheating?

To prevent the cheese from separating when reheating, make sure to stir constantly over low heat until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe besides spinach?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers to make this recipe even more nutritious and flavorful.

Q5: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This macaroni and cheese with spinach recipe comes together in about 20 minutes – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch!

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