Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish that brings everyone together, look no further than this Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese! This recipe has become a favorite in my home, not just for its creamy goodness but also for the delightful combination of flavors. Imagine the vibrant spinach and tangy artichokes mingling with three kinds of cheese—it’s pure magic in a bowl!

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and hearty or for family gatherings where everyone can dig in and enjoy. Trust me, this one-pot meal is sure to please both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
• Family-friendly: This mac and cheese is packed with veggies, making it a nutritious choice that even picky eaters will love.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this dish in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Flavor explosion: The blend of cheeses, spinach, and marinated artichokes creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! This Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cheese Sauce

• 3 TBSP salted butter
• 3 TBSP all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces evaporated milk
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. kosher salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 ounces shredded monterey jack cheese
• 2 ounces shredded parmesan cheese

For the Veggies

• 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained of excess liquid)
• 12 ounces marinated quartered artichoke hearts

For the Pasta

• 16 ounces Casarecce pasta (penne or rigatoni would work too)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add more veggies: Try incorporating other greens like kale or broccoli for an extra nutrient boost.
• Change up the cheeses: Use your favorite cheeses or whatever you have in your fridge—just keep it melty!
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free variety, and use gluten-free flour for the roux.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Roux

In a large, shallow cast iron enamel pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Cooking it until it’s lightly golden brown is crucial because it helps remove any raw flour taste from your sauce. This step sets the foundation for your creamy masterpiece!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Be sure to salt generously; it should taste like the ocean! Add your dry pasta and cook until just under al dente—it should still have a little bite left to it. Reserving some cooking liquid before draining helps create a silky sauce later.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

Stir in the evaporated milk into your roux until smooth—use a whisk if needed to eliminate lumps. Then add onion powder, garlic powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go; adjusting seasoning here makes all the difference!

Step 4: Mix It Up!

Cook your sauce while stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly—about 3 minutes is all you need! Now comes the fun part: stir in all but two handfuls of shredded cheese until melted, followed by adding in your spinach and artichoke hearts directly from their marinade.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add your cooked pasta into the cheesy mixture until everything is well combined. If needed, splash in some reserved pasta cooking liquid to loosen up that creamy sauce.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Top with reserved cheese and place under the broiler for 4–6 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it so that nothing burns! Serve immediately while it’s hot and gooey.

Enjoy every cheesy bite of this Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese—it’s bound to be a hit at any table!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Creating a delicious Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese is all about the little details that can take this dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish shines!

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Freshly shredded cheese blends more smoothly, giving you that creamy texture you crave.
• Don’t skip the salt in pasta water: Salting the water generously enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. This step ensures that every bite is seasoned perfectly, elevating the overall taste of your mac and cheese.
• Adjust consistency with pasta water: If your sauce seems too thick, adding reserved pasta cooking liquid can help achieve the desired creaminess without sacrificing flavor. It also helps to bind everything together seamlessly.
• Experiment with cheese blends: While this recipe uses mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, feel free to mix and match with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for different flavor profiles. Each cheese brings its unique character to the dish!
• Broil for extra crunch: Broiling at the end not only melts the top layer of cheese but also creates a delightful crispy crust. Keep an eye on it while broiling to prevent burning.

How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese

Serving your Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop and complement your meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds vibrant color and a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens up the creamy dish.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top offers a lovely contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! The crunchiness and buttery garlic flavor of garlic bread complement the creaminess of mac and cheese beautifully.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the main dish. Consider using ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados for added freshness.
• Roasted Broccoli: The slight char from roasting broccoli provides an excellent textural contrast while adding nutrition to your meal. Drizzle with olive oil and season before roasting for maximum flavor.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance to your plate. Its bright green color and subtle crunch make it a perfect companion for creamy dishes like mac and cheese.

Enjoy creating this cozy, satisfying meal with friends or family! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. You can easily prepare it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep a portion of the cheese topping separate if you plan to reheat.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up if needed.
• Alternatively, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious dish!

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, you’ll need about 10 ounces. Sauté it briefly until wilted before adding it to your mac and cheese mixture.

What can I substitute for the cheeses in Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese?

Feel free to swap out any of the cheeses based on your preference! Cream cheese or gouda can be delightful alternatives that still deliver creamy goodness.

How do I make Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The taste will still be fantastic!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese as I am! It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that brings everyone together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet night or serving it at your next gathering, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turned out!