Spinach Mac and Cheese Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Spinach Mac and Cheese blends al dente pasta with creamy cheddar sauce studded with wilted baby spinach for cheesy green comfort perfect for weeknights or potlucks.

Ready in 30 minutes, it serves 6 with golden breadcrumb topping and hidden veggie magic.

Why This Recipe Works

Bechamel thickens without graininess. Spinach wilts fast without sogginess. Multiple cheeses melt silky. Breadcrumb crisp contrasts creaminess. One-pot pasta method minimizes cleanup.

Ingredients & Prep

Pasta:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 cups baby spinach

Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• Salt, pepper, nutmeg

Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook pasta al dente; add spinach last minute to wilt. Drain.
2. Melt butter in same pot; whisk flour 2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk milk; cook until thickened 5 minutes.
4. Stir cheeses, seasonings until melted smooth.
5. Toss pasta-spinach in sauce. Transfer to greased 9×13 dish.
6. Mix panko with butter; sprinkle top. Broil 2-3 minutes golden.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Refrigerate 4 days; reheat 350°F covered. Freeze 2 months.

FAQs

Sauce separates?
Low heat; constant whisk.

Spinach watery?
Wilt separately; squeeze dry.

Too thick?
Splash pasta water.

Conclusion

Spinach Mac and Cheese greens cheesy love comfort elevated.

Spinach Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

A creamy, comforting spinach mac and cheese made with tender pasta, a rich cheese sauce, and fresh spinach folded in for a pop of color and extra nutrition. Cozy, family-friendly, and perfect as a main or side dish.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)

Instructions

• 1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• 2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• 3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
• 4. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
• 5. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
• 6. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
• 7. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
• 8. Add chopped spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
• 9. Fold in cooked pasta until fully coated.
• 10. Top with Parmesan if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• Use frozen spinach if needed—thaw and squeeze dry first.
• Add crispy bacon or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes with breadcrumbs for a baked version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: spinach mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, vegetarian pasta