Name: Spinach-Tomato Macaroni & Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1 3/4 cups); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup finely chopped onion; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 0.75 teaspoon salt, divided; 10 ounces baby spinach (about 14 cups); 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper; 0.33333334326744 cup 1% milk; 0.33333334326744 cup low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, divided

Spinach-Tomato Macaroni & Cheese

5.0

(4)

4 Reviews

An old-school classic gets a boost of nutrition and flavor from garlicky spinach and tomatoes in this healthy mac and cheese recipe.

Andrea Kirkland, M.S., RD

Updated on March 9, 2020

Prep Time:

30 mins

Additional Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 cups

Nutrition Profile:

Bone Health Diabetes Appropriate Egg Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity Healthy Pregnancy High Calcium High-Protein Nut-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1 3/4 cups)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ teaspoon salt, divided
10 ounces baby spinach (about 14 cups)
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground pepper
⅓ cup 1% milk
⅓ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook macaroni according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and 1/4 tsp salt; cook, stirring often, until the onion is tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add spinach, stirring until wilted and adding 1 Tbsp. water at a time, if needed. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
Add tomatoes to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until they begin to soften, about 1 minute. Transfer to the bowl with the spinach mixture.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. When the butter has melted, whisk in flour, pepper, and the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and broth. Cook, whisking, until thickened and bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup cheese until melted.
Add the macaroni and sauce to the bowl with the spinach mixture; mix well. Transfer to an 11x7-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

407	Calories
13g	Fat
56g	Carbs
18g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 1 1/2 cups
Calories 407
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 56g	20%
Dietary Fiber 5g	18%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 18g	37%
Total Fat 13g	16%
Saturated Fat 6g	29%
Cholesterol 25mg	8%
Vitamin A 5125IU	102%
Vitamin C 28mg	31%
Folate 20mcg	5%
Sodium 725mg	32%
Calcium 367mg	28%
Iron 4mg	24%
Magnesium 68mg	16%
Potassium 134mg	3%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.