Best 4 Lightened Up Spinach And Artichoke Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a lightened-up version of the classic comfort food with our Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese. This delightful dish combines the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the vibrant flavors of spinach and artichoke. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe offers a healthier take on a beloved dish.

In addition to the Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese, our article features a collection of other delicious macaroni and cheese recipes:

1. Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Experience the timeless flavors of traditional macaroni and cheese with this classic recipe.

2. Creamy Pesto Macaroni and Cheese: Elevate your macaroni and cheese with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto, creating a dish that is both creamy and herbaceous.

3. One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni and Cheese: Combine the irresistible flavors of cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese in this quick and easy one-pot recipe.

4. Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese: Enjoy the comforting flavors of macaroni and cheese without the need for an oven. This stovetop recipe delivers a creamy and cheesy dish in just minutes.

5. Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese: Add a touch of sweetness and nutrition to your macaroni and cheese with the inclusion of roasted butternut squash. This recipe offers a unique and flavorful twist on the classic dish.

6. Bacon and Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese: Spice things up with the addition of bacon and jalapeño peppers. This recipe delivers a smoky, spicy, and cheesy experience that is sure to satisfy.

7. Lobster Macaroni and Cheese: Indulge in a luxurious and decadent version of macaroni and cheese, featuring succulent lobster meat and a creamy, flavorful sauce.

8. Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese: For a healthier alternative, this recipe replaces traditional macaroni with cauliflower, creating a low-carb and nutritious dish that is still packed with cheesy goodness.

With this diverse collection of recipes, you'll have a wide range of options to satisfy your macaroni and cheese cravings. Whether you prefer classic flavors, unique twists, or healthier alternatives, our article has something for everyone.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

SPINACH ARTICHOKE MAC & CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Spinach Artichoke Mac & Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: butter, garlic, spinach, artichoke heart, milk, kosher salt, black pepper, elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese

Provided by Alvin Zhou

Categories     Dinner

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 oz spinach
1 cup artichoke heart, drained
3 cups milk
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
2 cups elbow macaroni
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • In a large pan, melt the butter. Add garlic, and spinach cooking until spinach is wilted. Add artichoke hearts.
  • Slowly add the milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until milk is boiling.
  • Add the macaroni, cooking until the milk coats the macaroni like a glaze.
  • Add the cheddar and 2 cups (200g) of mozzarella, stirring until the cheese is completely melted.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
  • Bake for 7 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1229 calories, Carbohydrate 114 grams, Fat 57 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 65 grams, Sugar 18 grams

LIGHTENED-UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese image

Who doesn't love macaroni and cheese? This lightened-up version is sure to please those who want to indulge without the extra calories!

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Noodle Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

cooking spray
6 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated skim milk, divided
1 teaspoon tapioca starch
5 ounces low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or more to taste
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Stir 1 tablespoon evaporated milk and tapioca together in a saucepan. Whisk in remaining milk. Stir in Cheddar cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens a bit and cheese is completely melted. Drain pasta and stir into the sauce. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
  • Cook under the broiler until top browns, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.5 g, Cholesterol 26.4 mg, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 400.6 mg, Sugar 4 g

SPINACH MAC AND CHEESE



Spinach Mac And Cheese image

This recipe was a successful attempt at trying to feed my family more spinach. They loved it and now prefer this version to conventional mac and cheese.

Provided by Lenka McDonald

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 teaspoon butter
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 pound frozen chopped spinach, not thawed
3 cups grated Cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon butter.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat while macaroni is cooking. Add flour and whisk until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in a little milk and continue whisking. Pour in remaining milk and add frozen spinach. Cook, whisking constantly, until spinach softens and sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups Cheddar cheese; whisk until melted. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  • Drain macaroni and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover with cheese sauce. Mix well. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 30 minutes. Turn on the oven's broiler and broil until a golden crust forms on top, about 3 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.8 calories, Carbohydrate 41.2 g, Cholesterol 59.5 mg, Fat 20 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 20.5 g, SaturatedFat 12.3 g, Sodium 466.6 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

LIGHTENED-UP CREAMED SPINACH



Lightened-Up Creamed Spinach image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

10 oz. box frozen spinach, thawed
1 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 Tbs. olive oil
1 medium shallot, finely minced
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper
freshly ground nutmeg
1/3-cup half and half

Steps:

  • Squeeze spinach hard with your hands to remove as much water as possible. Place spinach on a cutting board, chop it roughly and set aside. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until butter foams. Reduce heat to medium, add shallots and cook, stirring, until shallots soften and begin to brown, two or three minutes.
  • Add spinach and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste. Cook, stirring, until ingredients are combined and spinach is heated through. Remove from heat and add half and half, stirring to combine well. Serve immediately.

Tips:

  • To make the macaroni and cheese lighter, use low-fat milk, low-fat cheddar cheese, and nonfat Greek yogurt instead of regular milk, cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
  • Add a variety of vegetables to the macaroni and cheese, such as spinach, artichoke hearts, and broccoli, to boost its nutritional value.
  • Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to make the macaroni and cheese more filling and nutritious.
  • Top the macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping for a crispy, flavorful crust.
  • Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown.

Conclusion:

This lightened-up spinach and artichoke macaroni and cheese is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful vegetables, this macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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