This is a super quick version of mac and cheese. The sauce isn't cooked at all. The ingredients for the sauce are simply stirred into the al dente pasta and then baked for a quick 10-15 minutes. The result is delicious and creamy, but a little different from most mac and cheese recipes out there. This is certainly not the cheesiest mac and cheese, but it is really delicious and I love that it incorporates spinach. Makes for a really quick all-in-one meal!
I think this dish would be really great with any type of green, especially kale and chard. I've been seeing some beautiful rainbow chard in the markets lately and I'm thinking a rainbow chard version is in my near future.
Spinach Macaroni Cheese
Adapted from DonnaHay.com
Serves 6-8
1 pound box macaroni*
2 cups milk
1 cup cream
1-1/2 cups grated cheddar
1-1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
salt and pepper, to taste
150g baby spinach
1 cup grated cheddar, for topping
Notes: Any short pasta will work for this recipe. I used a mix of sharp cheddar and mixed cheddar because it's what I had on hand.
Preheat oven to 350F. Cook the macaroni
in a saucepan of boiling, salted water for 10–12 minutes or until al
dente. Drain and return to the pan. Add the milk, cream, cheddar,
mustard, salt, pepper and spinach and mix to combine. Spoon into 4 x 1½
cup-capacity ovenproof dishes, top with extra cheddar and bake
for 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
 |
| Theme: Eating of the Green! |
Spinach is one of my favorite foods so balance or not, I'm on board with this mac & cheese! I also like a mac & cheese that contains mustard (I know you probably do too!). Sorry I haven't been around much. I had a non-cooking thing going on my blog for a while and then Mardi Gras. Starting to feel back on track. Have missed you, Kim!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good, I like how easy it is. And I finally got some small cast iron dishes like this :) Not exactly but they had them at the Lodge store.
ReplyDeleteI love sticking spinach into many of the dishes I make--especially pasta--so this looks right up my alley. That layer of cheese on top makes me happy too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteMac and cheese is my kids' favourite! They love anything cheezy and they are not particular about veggies, so these would be perfect for them! Looks delicious!
I do love how easy this is and I'm always up for putting greens in my mac and cheese!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea. And I really love those cast iron dishes. Must find them.
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious! I love the idea of putting the green veggies in the mac 'n' cheese.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea, Kim. I love mac and cheese (my ultimate comfort food), but I never would have thought to add spinach - now I can't wait to try it. I'm also loving the idea of the non-cook sauce - perfect for a quick and easy and perfectly comforting dinner. Could well be dinner tomorrow night!!
ReplyDelete