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Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 13 reviews

Creamed Spinach Mac and Cheese is a comforting, cheesy pasta casserole featuring tender baby spinach blended into a rich cheese sauce made with fontina, white cheddar, and parmesan. This dish combines creamy textures with a crispy onion topping, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, it offers a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese with a healthy touch of greens.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound short cut pasta, cooked according to package directions

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 sweet onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 12 ounces fontina cheese, freshly grated
  • 6 ounces white cheddar, freshly grated
  • 2 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Vegetables

  • 12 ounces fresh baby spinach

Toppings

  • ½ cup crispy onions or breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Sauté Onion and Garlic: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat a large oven-safe pot over medium-low heat and add the butter. Stir in the diced sweet onion and minced garlic along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions soften and become translucent.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the onions cook, prepare the short cut pasta in a separate pot according to package directions. Drain and optionally toss with a spritz of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
  3. Combine Cheeses: Toss together the grated fontina, white cheddar, and parmesan cheese and set aside.
  4. Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce: Stir the flour into the cooked onions and garlic to form a roux. Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden and emits a nutty aroma. Gradually stream in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add the Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce. It will appear bulky at first but cook down quickly. Stir continuously until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Combine Cheese and Pasta: Stir in almost all of the combined grated cheese, reserving some for topping, and then toss in the cooked pasta. Mix thoroughly over heat until everything is well combined and creamy.
  7. Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top of the mac and cheese mixture, then add the crispy onions or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Place the oven-safe pot in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

  • Make sure to cook pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly during baking.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • The creamy spinach adds nutrients and balances richness of the cheese.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with a gluten-free alternative.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though topping may lose crispiness.

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