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spinach mac-n-cheese

smonfils avatar
Recipe by
sherry monfils
@smonfils
worcester, MA

I wanted mac-n-cheese, but a healthier version, so I made this and even my grandchildren liked it, surprisingly, lol.

yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For spinach mac-n-cheese

  • 3 Tbsp
    bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp
    canola oil
  • 1/4 tsp
    paprika
  • 10 oz
    frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 1-3/4 c
    1% milk, divided
  • 3 Tbsp
    flour
  • 2 c
    reduced-fat, shredded cheddar cheese, sharp
  • 1 c
    low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/8 tsp
    ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp
    each, salt & pepper
  • 8 oz
    whole wheat penne pasta

How To Make spinach mac-n-cheese

  • 1
    Heat oven to 450. Spray a 8" square baking dish w/ cooking spray. Cook pasta as directed, drain. In small bowl, combine bread crumbs, oil and paprika. Set aside.
  • 2
    Press spinach in a strainer to drain any excess liquid. Heat 1-1/2 cups milk in lg saucepan over medium heat until steaming. In bowl, whisk remaining milk w/ flour.
  • 3
    Add to milk in saucepan. Whisk until it thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in cheeses, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Add pasta to sauce. Spoon 1/2 the pasta mix into baking dish, top w/ the spinach and then remaining pasta mix. Top w/ bread crumbs. Bake 30 mins, or until bubbly.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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