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Creamy Green Mac and Cheese Delight

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A creamy, green-packed mac and cheese recipe blending fresh spinach and herbs into a luscious cheese sauce for a comforting and nutritious twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add chopped spinach and basil, cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. In the same saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until smooth and nutty.
  4. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of warm whole milk. Cook for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, adding more milk if too thick.
  5. Transfer the wilted spinach and basil mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and bright green. Return to saucepan and stir gently to combine.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  8. Optional: Spoon mac and cheese into an 8×8 inch baking dish, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
  9. Serve warm immediately for best creaminess.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; cook al dente for best texture. Blend greens thoroughly for smooth sauce. Use full-fat cheese for best flavor and melt. Stir sauce continuously to avoid graininess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and pasta. For vegan, substitute dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, green mac and cheese, spinach mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, homemade mac and cheese

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/creamy-green-mac-and-cheese-delight-easy-homemade-recipe-for-perfect-comfort/