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Home » Dietary Preference » Vegetarian » 15-Minute Spinach Mac and Cheese

15-Minute Spinach Mac and Cheese

By Taesha Butler November 28, 2022 (Updated December 30, 2022) 12 Comments

Servings4 servings
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Jump to Recipe
5 from 11 votes

A classic comfort food with a veggie-loaded twist! This Spinach Mac and Cheese recipe comes together quickly, is packed with fresh or frozen spinach, is easy to make in about 15 minutes, and tastes perfectly cheesy.

A bowl of spinach mac and cheese with grated cheese on top and fork in the bowl.

I’m going to start right off the bat by saying that I totally get if you aren’t sure about green mac and cheese. But hear me out.

Back when I was a brand new blogger, plenty of my early readers were not sure about spinach in muffins. But I did it anyway and I won MANY hearts (and tastebuds) over and made veggie-loaded believers out of them with my oh-so popular Green Smoothie Muffins. So, I want you to trust me here. Because I think this Spinach Mac and Cheese is the lunch or dinner version of those beloved muffins.

Why?

Because while Spinach Mac and Cheese is oh-so-green in color, it has the familiar flavor and texture of good ‘ol homemade mac and cheese. There are no leaves of wilted spinach in the mix, as the spinach has been combined into the cheese sauce to make the spinach texture and flavor literally blend in. Plus, it is easy to make (almost as easy and time friendly as boxed) in about 15 minutes, so it is a great option for when you want something simple, delicious, and that gets some veggies in. Bonus: you can make it with either fresh or frozen spinach! A cozy, one pot recipe that is vegetarian, can easily be gluten free and helps your family see that green veggies can be tasty…..what more could you want?

Do you have some spinach leftover after making this mac and cheese and want to make sure it doesn’t go to waste? Be sure to check out my tips and tricks for storing spinach so it stays fresh all week!

This recipe is based on our favorite Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese and is now one of our go-to easy lunches and dinner recipes.

Spinach and milk in a blender.
Blended spinach and milk in a blender.

What kind of pasta should I use for this green mac and cheese?

You can make this with any kind of pasta you want—whole wheat, gluten free, or bean-based. Just make sure to cook according to the package instructions.

My family really doesn’t like spinach. How can I make this work for them?

Have a child or any family member that might be iffy about to trying green mac and cheese? Start will half (or even less) the amount of spinach and then work your way up to using more.

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely. Just reheat and eat. I find its great in the microwave.

Can I use kale instead of spinach?

I love that spinach is delicate and just blends so easily into the cheese sauce of this recipe. Kale is a much more fibrous veggie and, while it can be used in place of spinach, might give the green mac and cheese a different, maybe grittier, texture.

Melted butter and flour in a pot.
Blended spinach and milk being poured into the pot with butter and flour. There is a whisk in the pot.
Spinach and butter mixture in a pot with shredded cheese on top before being mixed in.

Suggested Adaptations

  • Want to add more veggies? Frozen broccoli, peas, and green beans are all easy additions. Just add them to the pasta during the last minute of cook time, drain, and add to the sauce with the pasta.
  • Adjust the amount of spinach to fit your needs. Start will half the amount of spinach and then work your way up to using more if you feel that will be best for you and/or your family. Or, add more spinach if you are super jazzed about really green mac and cheese.
  • Add more cheese. If you like a super cheesy mac and cheese, toss in more grated cheddar to make this veggie-loaded meal something you will love a little extra.
  • Make it gluten free with your favorite small gluten free pasta.
Spinach cheese use in a pot. A wooden spoon is showing the smooth texture of the cheese sauce.
Cooked elbow noodles in the pot with the spinach cheese sauce before being stirred together.
Spinach mac and cheese mixed together in a pot with a wooden spoon.

More spinach recipes you are going to love

  • Peanut Butter Banana Spinach Smoothie
  • Baked Spinach Artichoke Pasta
  • Blender Banana Spinach Pancakes
  • Feta and Spinach Scones
  • Healthier Hamburger Helper (with veggies!)
  • Healthy Chocolate Muffins (with veggies!)
  • Green Smoothie Muffins
  • Easy Lentil Veggie Quesadillas

Did you try this veggie-loaded mac and cheese recipe and now you’re hungry for more? 

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Spinach mac and cheese in two white bowls on a marble table. There are two forks on the table next to the bowls and one bowl is on top of a gray napkin.
15-Minute Spinach Mac and Cheese served in two bowls
Print Recipe
5 from 11 votes

15-Minute Spinach Mac and Cheese

This Spinach Mac and Cheese is easy to make and a great way to get veggies into a classic family favorite! Easy to make with frozen or fresh spinach, perfectly cheesy, and done in about 15 minutes!
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: added veggie recipe, green mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 388kcal
Author: Taesha Butler

Ingredients 

  • 8 ounces small shaped pasta ½ pound. I used whole wheat.
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 ounces frozen chopped spinach defrosted and squeezed out, can sub 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Once cooked, drain cooked pasta in a colander and set aside.
  • While pasta is cooking, add milk and spinach to a blender and blend until milk is green and spinach is totally pureed.
    spinach and milk in a blender
  • Place the empty pot back on the stove. Add the butter to the pot and melt over medium heat. Once melted, add in the flour and cook for 30 seconds, while stirring.
    Melted butter and flour in a pot.
  • Grab a whisk and slowly pour the milk/spinach mixture into the pot while whisking to prevent lumps.
    Blended milk and spinach being poured from a blender into the pot with melted butter and flour with a whisk.
  • Bring the pot up to a simmer to thicken, then stir in the grated cheese, garlic powder, and salt.
    Spinach flour mixture in a pot with grated cheese on top before being mixed in.
  • Turn off the heat. Add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir until pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Taste and add more salt or cheese as needed.
    Cooked pasta in the pot with the spinach cheese cause before being mixed together.
  • Enjoy warm or let leftovers cool and store in an air-tight container in your fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 307mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2924IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 322mg | Iron: 3mg

The nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on the product type, servings and other factors. If you are following a diet, please consult with a professional nutritionist or your doctor. Stay healthy!

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Filed Under: Dinner, Nut-Free, Vegetarian Tagged With: spinach

Previous Post: « 5-Minute Spinach Pear Smoothie
Next Post: Vegan Chocolate Sweet Potato Frosting »

Reader Interactions

    Leave a comment & rate this recipe Cancel reply

    Did you make this recipe? So good, right? It would mean the world to me if you left a comment and star rating so that more people can see how delicious veggie-loading can be. Plus, it helps me to see what recipes you are all loving so I can make more like them.

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Rachel

    November 28, 2022 at 4:28 pm

    5 stars
    Yep yep yep! Family approved! I was iffy about how they would respond to it being green, but they loved it and I appreciate how easy it was to make. You can’t taste the spinach!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      November 29, 2022 at 10:08 am

      I’m so glad your crew enjoyed this! And I’m glad they got on board with the green mac. I agree, the spinach is there in color but truly blends into the cheesy flavors of the sauce.

      Reply
  2. Donna

    November 29, 2022 at 9:41 am

    5 stars
    So, so easy. It was delicious. My husband commented on the green color. I reminded him that pesto is green too! I added about 2/3 cup of cottage cheese in the blender to add a little more protein. That thickened it some and I might be able to lessen the roux in the future. Overall, great recipe.

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      November 29, 2022 at 10:06 am

      I love the pesto reminder! And the addition of the cottage cheese is a brilliant move, Donna! I will 100% be trying that with my next batch.

      Reply
  3. Rebecca

    December 5, 2022 at 9:35 pm

    5 stars
    This was SO yummy (and easy to make(!) with ingredients I always have on hand!)! Even my 7-year old veggie averse kiddo gobbled this up and asked for seconds!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      December 6, 2022 at 8:37 am

      I’m so delighted to hear that! Easy + kid-approved is always a goal of mine with recipes. Thanks for taking the time to share, Rebecca!

      Reply
  4. Cheryl Muirhead

    December 12, 2022 at 1:00 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for my 1yr old grandson and he loves it. He really prefers savory over sweet, which is awesome. Thanks for another great recipe!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      December 12, 2022 at 1:28 pm

      I’m so glad to hear that, Cheryl! Thanks for taking the time to share.

      Reply
  5. Steph

    December 19, 2022 at 8:44 pm

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner tonight and it was DELISH! Even my veggie-loading hesitant husband was super delighted by it. I read the comments and added some blended cottage cheese to the mix (I’m not often a cottage cheese lover) and it was SO good!!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      December 20, 2022 at 7:07 am

      I always love hearing that a recipe wins over veggie-iffy adults! Especially a bright green one! I agree, the idea of adding cottage cheese is awesome for upping the protein and creaminess. A must try. Thanks for sharing, Steph!

      Reply
  6. Shelley

    December 19, 2022 at 10:45 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and delicious! The same effort as normal mac and cheese but felt so much better eating it green! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      December 20, 2022 at 7:05 am

      I’m so glad you found this as tasty and easy as I do! Thanks for taking the time to share, Shelley!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Taesha! I help busy people fall in love with healthy eating with my simple, family-friendly, veggie-loaded recipes. I believe vegetables can and SHOULD be delicious. Here, let me show you how!

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