Are you ready to elevate your mac and cheese game to a whole new level? Dive into the creamy, dreamy world of Spinach Ricotta Mac Cheese—a dish that combines the comforting nostalgia of classic macaroni and cheese with the fresh, vibrant flavors of spinach and ricotta. This delightful recipe not only satisfies your cheesy cravings but also sneaks in some nutritious greens, making it a perfect family meal that everyone will love. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a cheesy masterpiece that will have your taste buds singing and your guests begging for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni, 2 cups chopped spinach, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the spinach. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the sautéed spinach to the pot with the macaroni.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni and spinach in the pot. Stir everything together until the pasta and spinach are evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Optional: For a crispy topping, sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the macaroni mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spinach Ricotta Mac Cheese!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the best texture, make sure to cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. This ensures that the pasta holds up well when baked and doesn’t become mushy.
- Sautéing Spinach: For maximum flavor, sauté the spinach in a bit of olive oil until it’s just wilted. This enhances its taste and keeps it vibrant.
- Cheese Combination: Feel free to mix and match your cheeses! Adding a touch of sharp cheddar or gouda can give your dish an extra layer of flavor.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste the mixture before baking to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
- Crispy Topping: For that irresistible golden crust, sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before baking. You can also add breadcrumbs for an extra crunch!
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your Spinach Ricotta Mac Cheese with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s both hearty and healthy.Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
