Imagine a warm, creamy bowl of Green Mac and Cheese that fills your kitchen with the fresh aroma of basil and spinach.
This vibrant twist on a classic comfort dish isn’t only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying.
As the mozzarella and Parmesan melt smoothly into the vibrant green sauce, you’ll see how simple ingredients transform into something truly special.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 blender
- 1 colander
- 1 whisk
- 1 oven-safe baking dish
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking Green Mac and Cheese, follow this timeline:
Preparation and Cooking Timeline
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Work (5 minutes)
- Measure out all ingredients.
- Mince the garlic.
- Pack the spinach and basil leaves.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cooking (20 minutes)
- Minutes 0-10:
- Start boiling a large pot of salted water.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente (approximately 8-10 minutes).
- Drain macaroni using a colander and set aside.
- Minutes 10-15:
- In a blender, combine spinach, basil, milk, and minced garlic and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into the pot and heat over medium heat.
- Minutes 15-20:
- Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Baking (10 minutes)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Resting (5 minutes)
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Additional Tips:
- If you want extra creaminess, consider adding half a cup of ricotta cheese before baking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- For a vegan version, substitute the dairy products with plant-based alternatives.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
Drain the macaroni using a colander and set aside.
In a blender, combine spinach, basil, milk, and garlic and blend until smooth.
Pour the blended mixture into the pot and heat over medium heat.
Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is melted.
Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until well combined.
Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread complements the creamy texture of the mac and cheese.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds a rejuvenating contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a medley of roasted vegetables for added variety and nutrition.
- Grilled Chicken: Add some protein to your meal with grilled chicken breast on the side.
- Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup pairs well with the cheesy and herbaceous notes of the mac and cheese.
Storage
To store Green Mac and Cheese, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Freezing
To freeze Green Mac and Cheese, cool completely.
Transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Green Mac and Cheese, use an oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Cover with foil to prevent drying.
Alternatively, microwave on medium power.
Stir occasionally until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Green Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish.
The addition of fresh spinach and basil not only gives it a vibrant green color but also boosts its nutritional value.
By blending these greens with milk and garlic, you create a flavorful base for the cheese sauce.
The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan provides a rich and creamy texture, while the breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch on top.
Whether you choose to enhance the flavor with a hint of spice or opt for a vegan version, this dish is versatile and sure to please.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with a fresh, healthy twist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh Spinach?
You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh. Thaw and drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. This adjustment won’t compromise flavor, and you’ll achieve a consistent texture in your cheese sauce, maintaining the dish’s vibrant green appeal.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, replace regular elbow macaroni with a gluten-free variety. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping. Confirm all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination and maintain dish integrity.
What Wine Pairs Well With Green Mac and Cheese?
You’ll want a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc. These wines’ acidity complements the dish’s creaminess, while their citrus and herbal notes align with the spinach and basil, enhancing the flavor profile beautifully. Cheers!
Can I Add Protein Like Chicken or Tofu to the Recipe?
You can incorporate protein by adding cooked chicken or tofu. Simply cube and sauté the chicken until golden or pan-fry tofu for a crispy texture. Mix them in after combining the macaroni with the cheese sauce.
What Side Dishes Complement This Mac and Cheese?
You can complement this dish with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze. The salad’s citrus notes and the sprouts’ earthy flavor balance the creamy mac perfectly.
Green Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Blender
- 1 colander
- 1 Whisk
- 1 oven-safe baking dish
Ingredients
- 8 ounce elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cup fresh spinach leaves packed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves packed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni using a colander and set aside.
- In a blender, combine spinach, basil, milk, and garlic and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into the pot and heat over medium heat.
- Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the cheese is melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
