Green Mac and Cheese with Spinach, Broccoli, and Peas Recipe
This vibrant Green Mac and Cheese combines creamy white cheddar sauce blended with fresh spinach to create a nutritious twist on a classic comfort dish. Enhanced with broccoli and peas, it offers a delicious way to enjoy vegetables alongside tender pasta, all baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (you can also use campanelle, cavatappi, or shells)
Vegetables
- 1 cup packed fresh spinach
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup peas
Sauce
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups grated white cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350° F to prepare for the final baking step.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for about 3 minutes less than the package instructions indicate to keep it al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water and then strain the pasta.
- Blend Spinach and Milk: While the pasta cooks, combine the fresh spinach and whole milk in a blender. Blend on high speed until you get a smooth green mixture that will be used to create the sauce.
- Make Roux: In a large pot over low to medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour while whisking continuously for 2-3 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk Mixture: Slowly whisk in the blended spinach and milk mixture, then bring the mixture to a boil while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking occasionally until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Pasta Water and Cheese: Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce and then whisk in the grated white cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Stir the cooked pasta, kosher salt, broccoli florets, and peas into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven at 350° F for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
- Using slightly undercooked pasta helps prevent the mac and cheese from becoming mushy during baking.
- Slicing the spinach finely before blending ensures a smoother sauce texture.
- You can substitute broccoli and peas with other green vegetables like asparagus or kale as alternatives.
- Whole milk yields creamier sauce but you can use 2% milk for a lighter option.
- For a sharper flavor, try mixing white cheddar with a small amount of aged cheddar.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
