Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with the ultimate comfort food mashup that will make your taste buds dance! 🧀✨ Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese transformed with the sophisticated flavors of spinach and artichoke hearts. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a culinary adventure that combines the best of creamy, cheesy indulgence with a touch of gourmet elegance. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious weeknight meal, this Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and milk. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, blend them together until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your cheese sauce.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until well combined. Reserve a handful of mozzarella for topping later.
- Incorporate the chopped spinach and artichoke hearts into the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese and vegetable mixture, ensuring that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese!
Tips
- For extra creaminess, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente, as the macaroni will continue to cook slightly in the oven. This prevents mushy mac and cheese.
- For a crispy top, consider adding a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before the final cheese sprinkle.
- Fresh ingredients make a difference - if possible, use fresh spinach and artichoke hearts instead of frozen or canned.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
- For a protein boost, try adding cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits to the mix.
- If the top browns too quickly in the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.Pro tip: This dish reheats beautifully, so don't be afraid to make a big batch for leftovers! 🍽️
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 95mg
