Description
This Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese is a healthy twist on the classic comfort food, combining tender macaroni with a silky smooth spinach-infused cheese sauce. Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach, mature cheddar, and parmesan, this recipe balances creamy indulgence with nutritious greens, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10.58 ounces macaroni (uncooked)
Vegetables
- 5.29 ounces spinach (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
Dairy & Cheese
- ½ cup mature cheddar cheese (coarsely grated)
- 2-3 tablespoons parmesan (coarsely grated)
- 1¼ cups semi-skimmed milk/light milk
- 1½ tablespoons butter
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Sea salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the macaroni by boiling it in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This ensures the pasta will hold up well when combined with the sauce.
- Make the spinach mixture: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a pan over low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, frying gently for a couple of minutes until they soften. Next, stir in the chopped spinach, season with salt and white pepper, and cook over medium-high heat for about one minute, stirring continuously to reduce the spinach without making it watery. Remove from heat and puree the mixture until silky smooth, then set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and whisk quickly to form a smooth paste (roux). Gradually increase the heat and pour in the semi-skimmed milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and let it rest for two minutes to thicken further.
- Combine spinach and cheese sauce: Add the pureed spinach mixture into the thickened sauce, then stir in the mature cheddar and parmesan cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. Check seasoning and adjust with salt and white pepper as needed.
- Mix pasta and sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure every macaroni is coated with the creamy spinach cheese sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do NOT cook the spinach fully; only heat it to reduce the volume while retaining flavor and nutrients.
- Using baby spinach is recommended as it has a tastier and more tender flavor compared to mature spinach.
- Cook the macaroni slightly al dente for a better texture when mixed with the sauce.
- If pasta has cooled before combining with the sauce, reheat it in the microwave to avoid clumping.
- A vegetarian stock cube can be crumbled into the sauce while cooking to add depth of flavor; if used, omit additional salt.
- Best served immediately for optimal taste and texture.
- You can freeze the sauce without pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 months; to serve, defrost, heat, and combine with freshly cooked pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
