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Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 128 reviews

A rich and creamy Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luscious cheese sauce blended with sautéed onions, garlic, and nutritious spinach, baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping for a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • Salt, for pasta water

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Topping (optional)

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat And Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion And Garlic: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown and fragrant, which helps to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  5. Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  6. Season Sauce: Add ground nutmeg and freshly ground black pepper to the sauce, adjusting seasoning to your taste.
  7. Add Spinach And Cheese: Stir in the thawed and drained chopped spinach, shredded sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Optionally, add mustard powder for additional flavor.
  8. Combine With Macaroni: Add the cooked elbow macaroni back to the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is evenly coated.
  9. Transfer To Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  10. Add Topping (optional): If using, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese for a crunchy topping.
  11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
  12. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy creamed spinach mac & cheese.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, consider using reduced-fat milk and cheese.
  • To avoid excess moisture, make sure the spinach is thoroughly thawed and drained.
  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi.
  • Adding mustard powder enhances the depth of flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
  • To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping.

Keywords: Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese, Spinach Mac and Cheese, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Spinach Recipes

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/creamed-spinach-mac-and-cheese-recipe/