This comfort dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and pairs well with a variety of sides like crispy roasted Brussels sprouts or a colorful garden salad. If you’re seeking to elevate your mac and cheese game, try incorporating premium ingredients like aged cheddar, smoked gouda, or even flavor-packed herb blends (our favorite blends come from Spice House). Our easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions will guide you to creating the best homemade macaroni and cheese everrrrr.

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any other short pasta)
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Easy Recipe Prep Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. During the last minute of cooking, add the chopped spinach to the pot. Drain the pasta and spinach, and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until warm. In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As soon as the butter bubbles whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
4. Gradually pour the warmed milk into the butter and flour mixture, whisking constantly. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, (or any preferred herb blends) stirring to combine.
6. Add the cooked macaroni and spinach to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Go scroll a TikTok for a while and when your timer goes off; remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for part of the milk.
• Add cooked, crumbled bacon, diced ham, or grilled chicken for extra protein and flavor.
• You can use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the all-purpose flour.

Enjoy this easy dinner recipe that’s delicious and nutritious and perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love!

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