Macaroni and Cheese With Spinach and Pesto Pangrattato Recipe

Imagine elevating your classic macaroni and cheese with a burst of fresh flavors and textures. You’ll start by creating a rich, creamy cheese sauce, then fold in tender baby spinach and aromatic basil pesto for a delightful twist. The crispy pangrattato topping, made with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and oregano, adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. As you prepare this dish, pay close attention to the techniques and ingredients, as they’ll make all the difference in the final result. Are you ready to discover the secrets behind this mouthwatering combination?

Ingredients

Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with this gourmet Cheesy Spinach Mac recipe. The classic, creamy cheese sauce is enhanced with the addition of fresh baby spinach, providing a nutritional boost and a pop of color. Homemade basil pesto adds depth of flavor, while a crispy pangrattato topping lends a satisfying crunch to every bite. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated aged Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, rinsed and patted dry

Basil Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Pangrattato Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions for Macaroni Cheese With Spinach

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in the salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked macaroni and baby spinach to the cheese sauce, stirring until the spinach wilts and the macaroni is evenly coated.
6. To make the basil pesto, blend the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
7. Stir the basil pesto into the macaroni and cheese mixture.
8. For the pangrattato topping, pulse the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and dried oregano in a food processor until combined.
9. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the pangrattato topping evenly over the surface.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Top Tips

• Use high-quality, sharp cheddar and aged Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce by adding more milk for a thinner sauce or more flour for a thicker sauce.
• Prepare the basil pesto and pangrattato topping in advance to save time when assembling the dish.
• For a more golden and crispy topping, broil the macaroni and cheese for 2-3 minutes after baking.
• Let the Cheesy Spinach Mac cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Variations

• Substitute baby kale or arugula for the spinach for a different flavor profile.
• Add cooked, crumbled bacon or pancetta for a smoky, meaty twist.
• Replace the basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a tangy, Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Gruyère, Gouda, or Fontina.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick of heat.

Nutritional Guide

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	520
Fat	28g
Carbohydrates	48g
Protein	23g

This Cheesy Spinach Mac is a rich and indulgent dish that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The addition of baby spinach provides a good source of vitamins A and K, while the cheese offers calcium and protein. To reduce the calorie and fat content, consider using low-fat milk and cheese alternatives, or serve smaller portions alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta Instead of Macaroni?

You can substitute macaroni with other short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells. Varying the pasta type allows for experimentation with texture and flavor absorption while maintaining proper cooking techniques and timings.

Is It Possible to Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

You can meal prep this dish ahead of time for convenience. Make-ahead tips include cooking the pasta al dente, keeping sauce separate, and adding pangrattato just before serving. Assemble components when you’re ready to eat.

Can I Freeze the Leftovers for Later Consumption?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for long-term storage. To preserve flavors, cool completely, then seal in airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly for best results.

What Can I Substitute for Spinach if I Don’t Have It on Hand?

You can substitute kale, arugula, broccoli, or zucchini for spinach if you don’t have it on hand. These greens provide similar nutritional benefits and flavors, making them excellent alternatives in your recipes.

Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?

To make it vegan-friendly, you’ll want to swap in non-dairy cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheeses. For the pesto pangrattato, try using nutritional yeast and herbs to create a flavorful, dairy-free variation.

Conclusion

You’ve just created a mouthwatering mac and cheese that’s sure to impress.

The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with fresh spinach and aromatic pesto takes this classic to new heights.

Topped with a crispy, savory pangrattato, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of comforting familiarity and exciting nouveau cuisine.

Serve this stunning dish to your family or guests, and watch as they savor every last morsel.