Healthy Mac and Cheese with Creamed Spinach (Gluten-Free)
Try this Healthy Mac and Cheese with Creamed Spinach (Gluten-Free) recipe.
Try this Healthy Mac and Cheese with Creamed Spinach (Gluten-Free) recipe.
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 large shallots thinly sliced
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil (get a free jar here)
- 12 ounces gluten-free penne (i used felicia bio)
- 2 tablespoons ap gluten-free flour or brown rice flour
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 10 ounces baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
- Carbohydrate 21.1025040742283 g
- Cholesterol 143.500000117166 mg
- Fat 46.3359136253797 g
- Fiber 7.26654522502503 g
- Protein 46.122191446885 g
- Saturated Fat 28.8645713940658 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1069g)
- Sodium 2298.19717068295 mg
- Sugar 13.8359588492033 g
- Trans Fat 2.77078556553372 g
- Calories 667 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease a large cast-iron skillet, casserole pan, or a 9 × 13-inch baking dish, and set it aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, following the package directions, until 2 minutes shy of al dente. The pasta should still have a bite to it. Drain, and shake out all the water.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sauté the shallots until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and red pepper and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat. Cook for a minute, then whisk in the salt, milk, and broth.
- Simmer until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes.
- Carefully fold in the spinach in two batches. Cook until wilted, 2 minutes.
- Add the cheddar cheese and pasta and stir until very well coated in the spinach mixture.
- Transfer to the prepared dish and spread in an even layer.
- Sprinkle with the Parmesan (if using).
- Bake the mac and cheese until melted and crisp on the top, about 15 minutes.
- You can pop it under the broiler for a few minutes if you want the top to get extra brown and crunchy.
- Serve immediately!
A Busy Mom's Secret to a Delicious and Healthy Weeknight Meal
Let's be honest, moms everywhere are juggling a million things. Between work, school runs, extracurricular activities, and managing a household, finding time to cook a healthy, delicious, and satisfying dinner often feels impossible. But what if I told you there's a way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the stress and the unhealthy ingredients? Tonight, we're making a healthy twist on a classic comfort food: mac and cheese.
This isn't your grandma's mac and cheese, though! We're ditching the processed cheese and heavy cream, opting instead for a lighter, healthier version that's bursting with flavour. The secret? A creamy spinach sauce that adds a surprising depth of flavour and a beautiful green hue to the dish. And the best part? It's gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking for a healthier alternative.
I’ve always believed in nourishing my family with wholesome meals, even when time is short. This recipe has become a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, this recipe is ready in under an hour, allowing me to spend quality time with my family without sacrificing a delicious and nutritious dinner.
Why This Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese is a Game Changer
Healthier Ingredients: We're swapping out the usual heavy cream and processed cheese for almond milk and a blend of white cheddar. This reduces the fat and calorie content significantly without sacrificing taste. The addition of spinach adds a boost of vitamins and nutrients, making this meal as wholesome as it is delicious.
Gluten-Free Goodness: For those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet, this recipe is a lifesaver. Using gluten-free penne ensures everyone can enjoy this creamy and cheesy delight.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. From start to finish, it takes less than an hour to prepare and bake.
Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add other vegetables to personalize this dish to your liking. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots would be a fantastic addition!
Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My kids absolutely love this mac and cheese, even the picky eaters. It's a fun and colorful twist on a family favorite, and always a guaranteed hit at dinner time. It's even great for potlucks or casual gatherings!
Tips and Tricks for Mac and Cheese Perfection
Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor than frozen spinach.
Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want an extra crispy top, broil the mac and cheese for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Make it Ahead: Assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is perfect for meal prepping!
Spice it Up: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
This recipe isn’t just a quick weeknight meal, it’s a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. It's a recipe that speaks to my belief in nourishing my family with good food, even amidst the chaos of motherhood. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite comfort food.
So, tonight, ditch the takeout menus and the processed food. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this healthy mac and cheese. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome, allowing you to savor every bite without the guilt. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
