Recipe details
Dinner
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Healthy Mac and Cheese with Greens
30min
4 servings
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This Healthy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese transforms the classic comfort food into a nutritious meal by incorporating vibrant green vegetables. Whole grain pasta is coated in a lighter cheese sauce made with reduced-fat dairy, while sweet peas, nutrient-rich spinach, and aromatic basil add color, flavor, and vitamins. Perfect for sneaking vegetables into kids' meals or creating a more balanced version of a favorite dish, this mac and cheese delivers all the creamy satisfaction of the original with added nutritional benefits.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is estimated and may vary based on portion size and preparation.
Facts
Quantity
Fiber
Sugar
5 g
6 g
Allergen Content
Based on your allergy profile, please note the following possible allergens:
Milk
Wheat
Ingredients
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Steps
Read instructions and get ready to cook
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
Prepare the Vegetables
If using frozen peas, thaw them. Wash and roughly chop the spinach. Wash and chop the basil.
Prepare the Garlic
Peel and mince garlic cloves.
Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Flour
Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.
Add Milk
Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until mixture is smooth.
Simmer Sauce
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken, stirring frequently.
Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add grated cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth.
Season the Sauce
Add salt and pepper to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Add Spinach
Stir chopped spinach into the sauce and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Drain the Pasta
Drain the cooked macaroni and return it to the pot.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the cheese and spinach sauce over the macaroni and stir to coat evenly.
Add Peas and Basil
Gently fold in the peas and chopped basil.
Heat Through
Cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
Serve
Serve immediately while hot.
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