Let me tell you, this one pot spinach mac and cheese will forever change the way you approach mac and cheese. Packed with spinach and a blend of yellow cheddar, parmesan, and Trader Joe's unexpected cheddar for the ultimate cheesy flavor. Best part? This is a 30-minute meal and done in just one pot. Beat that!
It's no secret I love making easy baked MAC because of how simple it is. I also really love my creamy spinach pasta or a one pot cheeseburger pasta. But a mac and cheese with spinach AND three cheeses? Sign. Me. UP.
TL; DR Recipe Summary
- 👩🏼🍳 Cook Level: Intermediate
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 30 minutes
- 😋 Taste: Creamy, cheesy, savory, salty.
- 🍽️ Best Served With: Make a large batch of crusty garlic bread with herbed butter to go with the mac and cheese or add a little more greens to this with a fresh spring greens salad. You could also ramp up the protein with juicy pan fried chicken cutlets or for more flare (and heat), mini buffalo chicken meatballs.
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Tips and Key Reminders
- Use the right pasta shape - Short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work best since they hold onto the cheese sauce. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which won't absorb the flavors as well.
- Cook the pasta al dente - Since everything cooks together in one pot, check the pasta a minute or two earlier than the package suggests. This way, it stays tender but not mushy as it soaks up the sauce.
- Keep it creamy - Add the cheese in gradually, off the heat, to prevent clumping or graininess.
The Main Ingredients
- Macaroni - I opted for Trader Joe's Fusilli Corti Bucati because I love the shape, and it held on the cheese really well.
- Butter - the butter adds an additional creaminess to the overall dish.
- Half and Half -helps give the pasta a creamier texture when the cheese melts.
- Spinach - I folded in fresh baby spinach while the cheese melted into the pot.
- Parmesan cheese - the sharpness of the parmesan blends really well with the other flavors.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese - a basic, classic cheese used in mac and cheese, so of course, we had to have it here.
- Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar - This brings a really yummy sharpness to the overall flavor of the pasta.
- Garlic Powder - Gives the recipe added flavor.
- Pasta Water - The pasta water helps to hold on to the cheese as it melts and becomes nice and thick and creamy.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.
Recipe Swaps and Substitutions
- Pasta - Sub for your favorite gluten free or brown rice pasta. I love Barilla's Protein pasta, or Jovial Foods for brown rice pasta. Trader Joe's also has great varieties too!
- Milk - swap in almond milk instead of half and half.
- Cheese - Use your favorite dairy-free or vegan-friendly cheese like Miyokos or Daiya.
- Butter - Miyokos has pretty solid vegan butter that melts, but you can also just leave it out.
How to make three cheese spinach mac and cheese
Step 1: Fill a pot of water and bring to a boil. Salt the water and add the pasta and cook until al dente. Strain the pasta water into a colander, keeping the ½ cup of pasta water in the pot. Add back any pasta that fell out while straining. To the pot of pasta, add the butter, heavy cream, and cheese then begin to mix the pasta with the cheese, cream, and butter.
Step 2: Pour in the garlic powder then toss in the fresh spinach. Stir to combine, wilting the spinach as it mixes. Add the salt and pepper and continue to stir. Top with a little extra parmesan and serve.
Spinach Mac and Cheese FAQs
All leftovers can be placed in a tightly sealed tupperware and placed directly in the fridge. It will stay for up to 4 days.
If you want to freeze this recipe, simply prep the dish, place into a tupperware and into the freezer it goes. When ready, you can defrost in the fridge and add to a large pot over a medium low heat, or heat in the microwave or oven!
Keep the flame on a medium low for the entire cooking process. It's important to also choose a thicker, short pasta so that it does not fall apart.
You don't particularly need the three different cheeses, but traditionally, three cheese are common! I also like the different flavor profiles that come with the three cheeses in this dish.
Check out these other incredible pasta recipes
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
Three Cheese Spinach Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- large pot
- colander or strainer
- wooden spoon
- measuring spoons and cups
- small bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pkg pasta
- 1 ½ cups mild cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese or regular sharp white cheddar
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tablespoon butter salted
- ½ cup half and half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- salt
- pepper
- ½ cup pasta water
Instructions
- Fill a pot of water and bring to a boil. Salt the water and add the pasta and cook until al dente.
- Strain the pasta water into a colander, keeping the ½ cup of pasta water in the pot. Add back any pasta that fell out while straining.
- To the pot of pasta, add the butter, heavy cream, and cheese then begin to mix the pasta with the cheese, cream, and butter.
- Pour in the garlic powder then toss in the fresh spinach. Stir to combine, wilting the spinach as it mixes.
- Add the salt and pepper and continue to stir. Top with a little extra parmesan and serve.
- Top with a little extra parmesan and serve.
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