Spinach-Tomato Mac and Cheese: A Deliciously Healthy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Craving the ultimate comfort food but looking for a healthier option? Look no further than Spinach-Tomato Mac and Cheese! This isn’t your ordinary mac and cheese; we’ve elevated the classic dish with vibrant flavors and added nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence for the whole family.

Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni, infused with the sweet tang of sun-ripened tomatoes and the subtle earthiness of fresh spinach. The combination is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. We start with tender elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente perfection, and smother it in a rich and decadent cheese sauce made with a blend of cheddar, parmesan, and Gruyère for a complex and satisfying flavor profile.

But here’s the magic: we generously fold in fresh spinach, adding a boost of vitamins and minerals, and juicy diced tomatoes that burst with flavor in every bite. The spinach wilts beautifully into the cheesy sauce, providing a subtle sweetness and a delightful green hue. The tomatoes offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness, creating a perfectly balanced and utterly irresistible dish.

Spinach-Tomato Mac and Cheese is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a satisfying lunch, a comforting dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables for picky eaters! This recipe is easy to customize, too. Add grilled chicken or sausage for a protein boost, or experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor combination.

So, ditch the processed boxed mac and cheese and treat yourself to this homemade masterpiece. Spinach-Tomato Mac and Cheese is a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that will become a family favorite. Get ready to experience mac and cheese like never before!

Spinach-tomatoes Mac Cheese Ingredients

1 3/4 cups elbow macaroni1 tablespoon cooking oil1 brown onion, chopped4 cloves garlic, minced¾ teaspoon salt, divided300 gr baby spinach2 tomatoes, cut1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon -purpose flour½ teaspoon ground pepper⅓ cup milk⅓ cup water1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and 1/4 tsp salt; cook, stirring often, until the onion is tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add spinach, stirring until wilted and adding 1 Tbsp. water at a time, if needed. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.4. Add tomatoes to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until they begin to soften, about 1 minute. Transfer to the bowl with the spinach mixture.5. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. When the butter has melted, whisk in flour, pepper, and the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and broth. Cook, whisking, until thickened and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup cheese until melted.6. Add the macaroni and sauce to the bowl with the spinach mixture; mix well. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese.7. Bake until the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes.

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