MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH KALE

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Macaroni and Cheese with Kale image

Give classic mac and cheese a healthy makeover with the addition of sauteed kale.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h5m

Yield 8-12

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large bunch of kale, stems discarded, leaves roughly chopped (about 8 cups)
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
One 8-ounce block sharp Cheddar, grated
1 cup grated Havarti cheese
1 cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the cooking water and then drain. Set aside.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the kale and garlic and cook, stirring, until the kale begins to wilt. Add 1/2 cup of water, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale wilts and is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  • Carefully wipe out the saucepan. Bring the half-and-half, cayenne and nutmeg to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually whisk in the Cheddar and Havarti cheeses, a handful at a time, until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the cooked pasta and reserved cooking water to the sauce and stir to combine. Stir in the kale and season with additional salt and pepper. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake until bubbly and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Cabaaz Cumar
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This recipe is a keeper! I will definitely be making it again.


mohamad kassem
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I'm not a big fan of kale, but this recipe changed my mind. The macaroni and cheese was so creamy and flavorful, and the kale added a nice touch of crunch.


Saimon Ahmed
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Easy to make and very tasty!


Ama Mary
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This was the best macaroni and cheese I've ever had! The kale added a unique and delicious flavor.


Ihsan ul Haq
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The macaroni and cheese was good, but the kale was a bit too overpowering. I would recommend using less kale next time.


Cheerful Hams
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This macaroni and cheese recipe was a bit bland for my taste. I added some extra spices to give it more flavor.


Haroon Rana
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This recipe was a hit with my family! The macaroni and cheese was creamy and flavorful, and the kale added a nice nutritional boost.


Sana Ejaz
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The macaroni and cheese was delicious and the kale added a nice touch of green. However, the recipe was a bit too salty for my taste.


Noman Chishti
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This recipe was easy to follow and the macaroni and cheese turned out great. The kale added a nice touch of color and flavor.


Rimshah
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I followed the recipe exactly and my dish turned out perfect. The flavors were well-balanced and the kale was a great addition.


Laiba Shabbir
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This macaroni and cheese recipe with kale was creamy, delicious, and full of flavor! The kale added a nice touch of green and nutrients. I will definitely be making this again.