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Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese

Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese

Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese is a creamy and rich comfort food perfect for cozy nights in.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese sauce, comfort food, Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese, macaroni, pasta, Spinach
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni cook until al dente

For the Spinach

  • 6 cups fresh spinach sauté until wilted
  • 1 cup frozen spinach optional

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded ensure it’s freshly shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese optional
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese optional

For the Milk

  • 3 cups whole milk full-fat
  • 1 cup 2% milk optional
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk alternative optional

For the Seasoning and Structure

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter for roux
  • 2 tbsp olive oil optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder optional
  • 2 tbsp flour for thickening

Instructions

Directions

  • Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside for later.
  • Sauté the Spinach: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in the fresh spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until wilted. If using frozen spinach, include it and heat through before removing from the pot.
  • Make the Roux: With the pot still on the heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add 3 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, around 5-7 minutes.
  • Mix in the Cheeses: Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, stirring until completely melted. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  • Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the cooked macaroni and sautéed spinach, ensuring all pasta is well-coated in the cheese sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.
  • Bake for a Crispy Top (Optional): For a delightful crispy layer, transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with extra cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  • Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of color.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 500mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 500mg | Iron: 2mg
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