Creamy Macaroni Spinach Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Macaroni Spinach Bake, a rich and flavorful casserole that combines tender elbow macaroni, a velvety three-cheese sauce, and fresh spinach for a wholesome twist. This easy-to-make dish is elevated with hints of garlic, nutmeg, and a golden breadcrumb topping for the perfect mix of creaminess and crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings. With its irresistible layers of cheesy goodness and a dose of greens, this baked pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 120 grams cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 150 grams fresh spinach
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Season the cheesy sauce with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the fresh spinach to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Remove the sauce from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Pour the macaroni and spinach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture over the macaroni evenly for a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4163 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 230.0 g | 295% | |
| Saturated Fat | 130.6 g | 653% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 663 mg | 221% | |
| Sodium | 7085 mg | 308% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 351.8 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.7 g | 63% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.7 g | ||
| Protein | 177.9 g | 356% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.3 mcg | 41% | |
| Calcium | 3706 mg | 285% | |
| Iron | 20.0 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 1344 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
