LIGHTENED-UP SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE MACARONI AND CHEESE

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Lightened-Up Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese image

This lightened-up but still creamy version of macaroni and cheese is full of protein--an impressive 29 grams per serving-quite an accomplishment for a vegetarian meal. The whole-wheat pasta, spinach and artichoke hearts add their vitamin, mineral and fiber superpowers.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 ounces whole-wheat elbow pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium shallots, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup skim milk
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 cup lightly packed shredded part-skim mozzarella
2/3 cup lightly packed shredded low-fat Swiss cheese
1/4 cup lightly packed grated Parmesan
One 6-ounce bag baby spinach (about 6 heaping cups)
One 9-ounce box frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and roughly chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Special equipment: a broiler-safe 2-quart baking dish
  • Position an oven rack at the center of the oven, and preheat the broiler.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water; strain the pasta.
  • Wipe out the pot. Add the butter, and melt over medium heat. Add the shallots, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 2 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, and whisk constantly until it begins to toast, about 2 minutes. (The flour will form a thick paste, but that's okay; just keep it moving in the pot.) Whisk in the milk and the reserved pasta water, and whisk constantly until the mixture is thick like gravy, 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the sour cream, 2/3 cup of the mozzarella, the Swiss cheese and 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan. Once the cheeses have melted, add the spinach, and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the artichoke hearts, pasta, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Transfer to a broiler-safe 2-quart baking dish.
  • Stir together the remaining 1/3 cup mozzarella and 3 tablespoons Parmesan in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the pasta. Broil until golden and bubbly, about 2 minutes.

malik Danish
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This recipe was a fail for me. The cheese sauce was too thick and the macaroni was overcooked.


Jannie Abel
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Yum!


kibirige Kennth
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. It's a great way to use up leftover spinach and artichoke.


Pram khan Khan
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The end result is a delicious and creamy macaroni and cheese that everyone will love.


Wasantha Wasantha
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I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's a healthier alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese, and it's just as delicious.


Elena Laione
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This is the best macaroni and cheese I've ever had! The spinach and artichoke add so much flavor.


Saimkhan Saimkhan
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I made this recipe for a party and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it!


Mmangaliso George
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This recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids love the cheesy sauce and the spinach and artichoke are hidden inside.


Mwenya Nondo
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I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. It's a great way to use up leftover spinach and artichoke.


Sumaya Mukhtar
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth it. The end result is a delicious and creamy macaroni and cheese that everyone will love.


Crypt1cB34ST On 60 fps
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I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's a healthier alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese, and it's just as delicious.


insafali Junejo
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This is the best macaroni and cheese I've ever had! The spinach and artichoke add so much flavor.


Leyla Rangel
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I made this recipe for a potluck and it was a huge success. Everyone loved it!


Jayed Omer
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This recipe is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. My kids loved the cheesy sauce and the spinach and artichoke were hidden inside.


Marjorie Bijlhout
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I'm not a big fan of spinach, but I really enjoyed this dish. The artichoke and cheese helped to balance out the flavor of the spinach.


rhymes kato
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This recipe is a keeper! It's definitely going into my regular rotation.


Shawn Floyd
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I love the combination of spinach, artichoke, and cheese in this dish. It's so flavorful and comforting.


Amanda Springfield
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This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's a healthier alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese.


Shivam Nagwanshi
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I made this recipe last night and it was a hit with my family! Everyone loved the creamy cheese sauce and the spinach and artichoke added a nice flavor.


Rizwan Aslam
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This Lightened-Up Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious and healthier take on the classic comfort food. The combination of spinach, artichoke, and cheese is perfect, and the use of whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese makes it