Creamy Spinach Macaroni and Cheese: A Comfort Food Favorite with a Healthy Twist

Macaroni and cheese is undoubtedly one of the most beloved comfort foods in the world. It’s creamy, cheesy, and heartwarming, making it a go-to meal for many. However, this Spinach Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken offers a fresh twist on the classic dish, incorporating spinach and chicken to add flavor, nutrition, and extra heartiness. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this version combines the best of both worlds—classic comfort and wholesome ingredients.

In this recipe, we’re going to guide you step-by-step through the process of creating this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal. Along the way, we’ll share some tips and notes to make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup finely minced sweet onion
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups 2% milk
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, cut into ½-inch strips
• 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• ⅔ cup shredded smoked gouda
• ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
• ¾ pound elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
• 1½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

Preparation:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, start by cooking the chicken breast. You can either grill, bake, or pan-fry it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, making sure it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Spinach:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until it begins to wilt.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and spinach, stirring to form a roux. Allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk, first the whole milk, then the 2% milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the Cheese:
   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, gouda, and crumbled goat cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
   Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well coated.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt Butter and Sauté Onion:
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced sweet onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add Fresh Spinach:
   Add the spinach leaves to the onions and cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. This will give the dish a mild spinach flavor and ensure the greens blend well with the cheesy sauce.
3. Create a Roux with Flour:
   Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and spinach. Stir it well to coat the vegetables evenly, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken your cheese sauce later on.
4. Add Milk to Form Sauce:
   Gradually pour in the milk, starting with the whole milk. Whisk constantly to avoid lumps. Continue adding the 2% milk, stirring until the sauce thickens. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the Cheeses:
   Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, smoked gouda, and crumbled goat cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted, resulting in a creamy, velvety cheese sauce.
6. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
   Add the cooked macaroni and chicken breast to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Ensure all the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce and that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout.
7. Season and Serve:
   Taste the dish and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. Cooking the Chicken:
   If you’re not sure how to cook chicken quickly, one great method is pan-frying. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning you like, and cook it on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side. This ensures that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
2. Choosing Pasta:
   While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente to ensure it holds up in the creamy sauce.
3. Avoiding a Lumpy Sauce:
   When adding the milk to the flour mixture, always pour in a little at a time, whisking constantly. This ensures the milk incorporates evenly and prevents lumps. If the sauce does become lumpy, use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
4. For Extra Creaminess:
   If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. It will make the cheese sauce extra rich and velvety.
5. Storage and Reheating:
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the macaroni and cheese in a pot on low heat, adding a bit more milk to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with a Salad:
   This creamy spinach macaroni and cheese goes perfectly with a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad complements the richness of the cheese, making for a well-rounded meal.
2. Top with Extra Cheese:
   For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some more shredded cheddar or parmesan on top just before serving. You can even broil it for 2-3 minutes to create a crispy, golden crust on top.
3. Add Fresh Herbs:
   Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme. This adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color, elevating the overall presentation of the meal.
4. Serve with Bread:
   A slice of warm, crusty bread or a buttery garlic breadstick is the perfect accompaniment to this rich and creamy dish. It can be used to scoop up the cheesy sauce or as a side to soak up any extra goodness.

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Engagement Features

1. What’s Your Favorite Comfort Food?
   We’d love to hear about your favorite comforting meals. Do you prefer classic mac and cheese, or do you enjoy trying different variations like this spinach and chicken version? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
2. Try a Variation:
   While this recipe calls for spinach and chicken, feel free to get creative! You could add other veggies like broccoli, peas, or mushrooms. Or, try different types of cheese to customize the flavor to your liking. What will you add to make this dish your own?
3. Share Your Results:
   Have you made this recipe? Don’t forget to tag us on social media and share your delicious creation with us. We’d love to see your take on this dish, whether you’ve added your favorite spices or turned it into a vegetarian version!

Conclusion

This creamy spinach macaroni and cheese with chicken is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and offers a hearty meal the whole family will love. The creamy cheese sauce, the tender chicken, and the nutritious spinach create a satisfying dish that’s both indulgent and wholesome.

By following the simple steps in this recipe, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Plus, with some beginner-friendly tips and the option to personalize the dish with your favorite ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Enjoy this comforting meal and remember, there are endless ways to make it your own. Whether you keep it simple or experiment with new flavors, this dish will always be a winner on your dinner table!