Light Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach
Indulge in a lighter twist on a classic comfort food with this Light Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach. This creamy, cheesy dish balances indulgence and nutrition by using 2% milk and low-fat shredded cheddar, delivering all the rich, gooey satisfaction without the guilt. The addition of fresh baby spinach, sautéed until tender, adds a burst of color, flavor, and nutrients, creating a wholesome one-pot meal the whole family will love. Featuring a velvety cheese sauce enhanced with Parmesan and a touch of garlic powder, this recipe is ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it as a hearty standalone dish or pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 225 grams elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters 2% milk
- 120 grams low-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 150 grams fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the 2% milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a separate large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh baby spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Remove from heat.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
Gently fold in the sautéed spinach until evenly distributed.
Serve warm and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
461 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.2 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 49 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 838 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.1 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 24.2 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 559 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 346 mg | 7% | |
*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.
