Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and satisfies your cravings, then this Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese is just the ticket! This recipe is a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese, blending creamy cheeses with the bright flavors of spinach and marinated artichokes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet comforting, or for family gatherings where everyone can dive in and enjoy. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week.
• Vegetarian Delight: Packed with wholesome veggies and three types of cheese, it’s a delicious way to sneak some greens into your meal!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or friends, this creamy mac and cheese is sure to impress everyone at the table.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal. Cook everything in one pan for convenience!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sauce

• 3 TBSP salted butter
• 3 TBSP all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the Cheesy Goodness

• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese

For the Veggies & Pasta

• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained of excess liquid)
• 12 ounces marinated (quartered artichoke hearts)
• 16 ounces Casarecce pasta (penne or rigatoni would work too)

Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: If you like a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add jalapeños to your sauce.
• Cheese Swap: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Creamy Alternative: Substitute cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative for an even richer sauce.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Roux

In a large, shallow cast iron enamel pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour to create a roux. Cooking it until lightly golden helps remove that raw flour taste while adding depth to our sauce.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While you’re making the roux, bring a large pot of water to boil. Don’t forget to salt it generously—this step really enhances the flavor of the pasta! Add your dry pasta and cook until it’s just under al dente; we want it firm as it will continue cooking later.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Slowly stir in the evaporated milk into your roux until smooth. If lumps form, don’t worry; just whisk them out! Then add onion powder, garlic powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This blend of spices adds wonderful flavor to our creamy base.

Step 4: Combine The Goodness

Once your sauce starts thickening after about 3 minutes of cooking, stir in most of your shredded cheese (save some for topping). Mix well until everything is gooey and melted together. Finally, fold in those bright spinach leaves and artichoke hearts without draining them—the marinade adds extra deliciousness!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Now it’s time for pasta magic! Stir in your drained pasta until every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. If you find it too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.

Step 6: Broil It Up!

Top your creation with the remaining cheese and place it under the broiler for about 4 – 6 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for bubbly perfection with a touch of golden brown on top!

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese that will make everyone feel right at home! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Making a delightful Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese is all about the little details that elevate your dish to perfection. Here are some pro tips to ensure your mac and cheese turns out creamy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and artichokes can enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to frozen or canned options. Fresh ingredients often bring a burst of flavor that makes your dish stand out.

• Don’t Skip the Broiler: Placing the mac and cheese under the broiler creates that golden, bubbly cheese topping that’s so satisfying. This step adds texture and a beautiful color contrast to the creamy pasta underneath.

• Adjust Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding gouda or cheddar can introduce new flavors, making each bite exciting. Just remember to keep it balanced so you don’t overwhelm the dish.

• Add Texture with Breadcrumbs: For an added crunch, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs on top before broiling. This will give your mac and cheese a delightful contrast between creamy and crispy textures.

• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance! Assemble everything up to the broiling step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply bake it for an extra 10-15 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Presenting your Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese is just as important as making it! With these serving suggestions, you can turn this comforting meal into an impressive centerpiece at your dining table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper not only enhances flavor but also gives a gourmet touch.
• Chili Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving for an extra kick!

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread complements the creaminess of mac and cheese while adding a crunchy texture.
• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers provide a colorful side that pairs beautifully with this dish.
• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds a fresh element while contributing vibrant color to your plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions in hand, you’re all set to create a memorable dining experience around this delicious Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese! Enjoy every creamy bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious creation fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will last up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing

• Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk or water if needed to restore creaminess.
• Stir well during reheating to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delightful dish? Let’s address some common inquiries!

Can I make Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta for a delicious gluten-free version.

How can I make Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese vegan?

To make it vegan, replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter, use plant-based milk instead of evaporated milk, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives.

What cheeses work best for Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese?

While this recipe calls for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Gouda for different flavors!

Can I add more vegetables to this Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! You can enhance it by adding veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini—just chop them finely and sauté them briefly before mixing them into your sauce.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese! It’s not just comforting; it’s a dish that brings people together around the dinner table. The combination of creamy cheese, vibrant spinach, and tangy artichokes creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Enjoy every bite, share it with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your additions. Happy cooking!