White Mac and Cheese with Spinach Recipe

This White Mac and Cheese with Spinach is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese. Featuring a luscious white cheddar cheese sauce and tender, fresh spinach, this dish is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition.

Rich, velvety white cheese sauce coats every bite of perfectly cooked pasta, while fresh spinach adds a vibrant pop of color and subtle flavor. It’s the ultimate cozy meal that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.

This recipe elevates mac and cheese by incorporating fresh spinach and a decadent white cheddar sauce. It’s a one-pot comfort food that’s packed with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes!

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Colander
Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

12 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
4 cups fresh spinach (lightly packed)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly, stirring constantly.

3. Add the Milk:
Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cream (if using), ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the Cheese and Seasoning:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the white cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the Spinach:
Fold the fresh spinach into the cheese sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and is evenly distributed.

6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated and creamy.

7. Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Latest Recipes

White Mac and Cheese with Spinach Recipe

This White Mac and Cheese with Spinach is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese. Featuring a luscious white cheddar cheese sauce and tender, fresh spinach, this dish is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition.

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Equipment

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Colander
Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

12 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk warm
1 cup heavy cream optional for extra creaminess
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
4 cups fresh spinach lightly packed

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly, stirring constantly.
Add the Milk:
Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cream (if using), ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Cheese and Seasoning:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the white cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and nutmeg (if using). Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the Spinach:
Fold the fresh spinach into the cheese sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and is evenly distributed.
Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated and creamy.
Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Tips for Cooking

For a richer flavor, use a mix of white cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses.
To prevent clumping, grate the cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of warm milk.
You can add cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or mushrooms for extra protein and texture.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This White Mac and Cheese with Spinach is a creamy, dreamy, and elevated version of a classic. The fresh spinach adds a touch of greenery and nutrition, making it a satisfying meal or side dish that everyone will love.

When comfort food meets a touch of elegance, you get this White Mac and Cheese with Spinach. It’s quick, simple, and guaranteed to be a hit with your family or guests. Try it tonight for a comforting, cheesy delight with a healthy twist!