spinach mac and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best spinach mac and cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share this spinach mac and cheese recipe with you all. This dish is a classic comfort food that never fails to impress, and it’s perfect for any occasion whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just a weeknight dinner.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids and husband. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

The creamy sauce, the tender pasta, and the nutritious spinach all come together to create a truly satisfying meal that’s hard to resist. Plus, this recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals from the spinach, making it a great option for health-conscious families like mine.

I’ve found that this dish is also incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your needs. It’s also easy to scale up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving.

And the best part? It’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families who need a quick and delicious meal.

Spinach Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 592 votes

A creamy, comforting mac and cheese recipe with a hidden veggie twist. 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

8 oz elbow macaroni
salt for water

For the Spinach and Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
6Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
7Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
8Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
9Stir in the cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10Add the spinach, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
11Mix well until combined.
12Add the cooked macaroni to the spinach and cheese sauce.
13Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
14Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
15Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
16Bake the spinach mac and cheese for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the sauce is bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Add a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch.

This spinach mac and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients from the spinach, and absolutely delicious.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use. When reheating leftovers be sure to add some extra milk or cream if needed to get the right consistency again.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach Mac and Cheese

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

A1: You can use any type of pasta you like for this recipe, but I prefer to use macaroni because it holds onto the cheese sauce so well. Other options like shells or elbows will also work well.

Q2: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

A2: Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach if you prefer. Just thaw it out first by leaving it in room temperature for a few hours or by microwaving it according to package instructions.

Q3: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A3: Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly as long as you don’t add any meat to the cheese sauce.

Q4: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A4: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time. In fact, it’s often better to make the macaroni and cheese sauce separately before combining them just before serving.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

A5: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives such as rice-based or quinoa-based pastas.

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