Macaroni Cheese Florentine
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and creamy Macaroni Cheese Florentine, a family-friendly dish that combines cheesy indulgence with wholesome greens. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious three-cheese sauce made from cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, this recipe is brightened by the addition of fresh, vibrant spinach. A golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, balancing the velvety texture of the baked pasta. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Packed with flavor and nutrients, Macaroni Cheese Florentine is a satisfying twist on the classic mac and cheese, offering a delicious way to sneak veggies into a comfort food classic.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz Cream cheese
- 1 tsp Ground mustard
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 5 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
- 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a roux forms.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the chopped spinach to the cheese sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese and spinach mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni Cheese Florentine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
669 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.6 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.0 g | 105% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 100 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 898 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.7 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 27.4 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 569 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 584 mg | 12% | |
*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.
