Macaroni Cheese Florentine

Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and creamy Macaroni Cheese Florentine, a family-friendly dish that combines cheesy indulgence with wholesome greens. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a luscious three-cheese sauce made from cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese, this recipe is brightened by the addition of fresh, vibrant spinach. A golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, balancing the velvety texture of the baked pasta. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Packed with flavor and nutrients, Macaroni Cheese Florentine is a satisfying twist on the classic mac and cheese, offering a delicious way to sneak veggies into a comfort food classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz Cream cheese
• 1 tsp Ground mustard
• 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 5 cups Fresh spinach, chopped
• 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a roux forms.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add the chopped spinach to the cheese sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Step 7

Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese and spinach mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni Cheese Florentine!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1905.6 grams (1905.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4122

Total Fat 218.70g	280%
Saturated Fat 123.30g	617%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.80g
Cholesterol 606mg	202%
Sodium 6210mg	270%
Total Carbohydrate 380.80g	138%
Dietary Fiber 22.10g	79%
Total Sugars 56.50g
Protein 171.20g	342%

Vitamin D 370IU	1851%
Calcium 3401mg	262%
Iron 26mg	144%
Potassium 3223mg	69%

*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: 47.1%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 36.5%