Four Cheese Spinach Macaroni

Indulge in the creamy decadence of Four Cheese Spinach Macaroni—a soul-warming baked pasta dish that combines comfort and elegance in every bite. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety sauce made from a dreamy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gruyere cheeses, enhanced with the earthy freshness of chopped spinach. Infused with subtle hints of garlic and onion powder, the dish is topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings alike. Serve it as a stand-alone entrée or pair with a crisp side salad for a well-rounded meal that’s irresistibly cheesy and packed with hidden greens.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gruyere cheeses. Mix until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the chopped spinach to the cheese sauce and stir until the spinach wilts slightly.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Four Cheese Spinach Macaroni!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1975.5 grams (1975.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4942

Total Fat 278.90g	358%
Saturated Fat 148.10g	740%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.20g
Cholesterol 767mg	256%
Sodium 7307mg	318%
Total Carbohydrate 412.50g	150%
Dietary Fiber 20.30g	73%
Total Sugars 57.70g
Protein 178.80g	358%

Vitamin D 367IU	1835%
Calcium 3687mg	284%
Iron 24mg	132%
Potassium 2106mg	45%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.5%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 33.8%