Dreamy Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese Recipe for Comfort Lovers

Comfort food reaches new heights with this decadent creamed spinach mac & cheese that blends rich, creamy textures with vibrant green goodness.

cheese lovers will swoon over the luxurious blend of melted dairy and tender pasta.

Silky spinach weaves through each delectable bite, adding a nutritious twist to the classic mac and cheese.

The combination creates a seriously addictive side dish that steals the spotlight at any dinner table.

Sharp cheddar and parmesan provide depth and complexity to the sauce.

Smooth, velvety, and absolutely irresistible, this recipe transforms a simple pasta dish into a gourmet experience.

Prepare to be delighted by every single forkful of this mouthwatering creation.

Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese: Greens Meet Comfort

• Sneak nutritious spinach into a classic comfort food, making it an ingenious way to enjoy greens without sacrificing flavor.
• Combines the beloved mac and cheese with creamy spinach, ensuring a universally appealing meal that satisfies both kids and adults.
• Delivers a perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and optional crunchy breadcrumb topping for a multi-dimensional eating experience.
• Allows simple modifications like adding extra cheese, swapping breadcrumbs, or incorporating different spices to match personal taste preferences.

All The Goodness In Creamed Spinach Mac

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides the perfect base for this creamy mac and cheese dish.
• Spinach: Adds a nutritious and vibrant green element to the traditional mac and cheese recipe.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a rich and tangy flavor that forms the core of the cheese sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty and salty depth to the overall cheese profile.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Butter: Provides a rich foundation for sautéing and building the sauce's flavor base.

• Onion, Garlic: Offer a savory and aromatic foundation that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Ground Nutmeg, Black Pepper: Add warmth and subtle spice to complement the creamy cheese sauce.
• Mustard Powder: Gives an optional extra kick of flavor to the mac and cheese.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and crunchy texture to the top of the mac and cheese.

Tools For A Creamy Green Mac

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and making cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauce smoothly and preventing lumps.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Crucial for baking and serving the mac and cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding cheese fresh.

Steps To Lush Spinach Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Perfection

Drop elbow macaroni into a pot of salted boiling water.

Cook until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, ready for cheesy magic.

Step 3: Sizzle Aromatics

Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Let them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes, releasing their mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 4: Create Magical Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery mixture.

Stir and cook until it turns a gorgeous golden hue and smells nutty and rich.

Step 5: Craft Silky Sauce Base

Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream.

Whisk continuously to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Cook until it thickens into a creamy dream, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Flavor Explosion

Shake in ground nutmeg and freshly cracked black pepper.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your heart’s content.

Step 7: Cheese And Green Glory

• Thawed chopped spinach
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Optional mustard powder

Stir until everything melts into a gorgeous green-flecked sauce.

Step 8: Unite Pasta And Sauce

Pour cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture.

Stir until every noodle is generously coated in creamy goodness.

Step 9: Dish Transfer

Spread the mac and cheese into your prepared baking dish.

Smooth the top for even baking.

Step 10: Crispy Topping (Optional)

Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs across the surface for an irresistible crunchy layer.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven.

Bake 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the sauce bubbles with excitement.

Step 12: Serve And Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece.

Let it rest briefly.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, spinach-packed delight you’ve created!

Tips For Creamy, Cheesy Results

• Squeeze out excess moisture from thawed spinach to prevent a watery mac and cheese sauce.
• Mix sharp cheddar with Parmesan for deeper, more complex flavor profile that elevates the dish.
• Whisk milk and cream slowly to avoid lumps and achieve smooth, creamy texture.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs in butter before sprinkling for extra golden, crispy crunch on top.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle kick that complements the rich, creamy sauce.

Mac & Cheese Variations With Spinach

• Vegan Veggie Blast: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, swap macaroni for whole wheat pasta, and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free, protein-packed version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta, use cornstarch instead of flour for roux, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits, incorporate quinoa alongside macaroni, and mix in extra protein-rich cheese like cottage cheese for muscle-building nutrients.
• Low-Carb Green Dream: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, use cauliflower as base, and increase cheese and cream for a keto-friendly alternative.

Ways To Dish Out Spinach Mac And Cheese

• Hearty Protein Companion: Pair this mac and cheese with grilled chicken breast or crispy baked salmon for a complete, satisfying meal that balances creamy pasta with lean protein.
• Fresh Veggie Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to add freshness and balance the rich, cheesy texture of the dish.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the creamy, cheesy flavors with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Brunch Brilliant Move: Transform this mac and cheese into a brunch centerpiece by topping with a perfectly poached egg, allowing the runny yolk to mix with the creamy sauce for an extra luxurious touch.

Mac And Cheese Storage Hacks

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the mac and cheese flat to maintain sauce consistency and prevent separation.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk to restore creaminess. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Whisk the milk and cream gradually into the roux, stir constantly, and use room temperature cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without separation.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, use thawed and well-drained frozen chopped spinach. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the mac and cheese from becoming watery.

• What if I don't have sharp cheddar cheese?

You can substitute with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to maintain a rich, creamy texture.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this mac and cheese is vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetarian-friendly cheeses and check that your ingredients are meat-free.

Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic creamed spinach mac & cheese brings Southern comfort to your dinner table. Cheesy pasta with silky spinach creates a luxurious side dish for hearty meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• Salt for pasta water

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
3. Melt butter in the same pot over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Introduce all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux with a nutty aroma.
5. Slowly incorporate whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Enhance the sauce with ground nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting seasoning to personal taste preferences.
7. Fold in thawed, well-drained chopped spinach, sharp cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until completely melted. Add mustard powder for an extra flavor dimension if desired.
8. Gently combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated.
9. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
10. Optional: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs across the top for a crispy, golden texture.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the sauce begins to bubble around the edges.
12. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, then serve and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Notes

• Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure a creamy, rich texture.
• Use fresh baby spinach as an alternative for a brighter, more vibrant green color and fresher taste.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or fontina for unique flavor profiles.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch and using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg