Four Cheese Spinach Macaroni
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Four Cheese Spinach Macaroni—a soul-warming baked pasta dish that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety sauce made from a dreamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gruyere cheeses, enhanced with the earthy freshness of chopped spinach. Infused with subtle hints of garlic and onion powder, the dish is topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings alike. Serve it as a stand-alone entrée or pair with a crisp side salad for a well-rounded meal that’s irresistibly cheesy and packed with hidden greens.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gruyere cheeses. Mix until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the chopped spinach to the cheese sauce and stir until the spinach wilts slightly.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Four Cheese Spinach Macaroni!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4942 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 278.9 g | 358% | |
| Saturated Fat | 148.1 g | 740% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 767 mg | 256% | |
| Sodium | 7307 mg | 318% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 412.5 g | 150% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.3 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 57.7 g | ||
| Protein | 178.8 g | 358% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.2 mcg | 46% | |
| Calcium | 3687 mg | 284% | |
| Iron | 23.8 mg | 132% | |
| Potassium | 2106 mg | 45% | |
*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.
