Healthy Green Mac and Cheese

By Rena Awada | Updated On March 13, 2021

Healthy Green Mac and Cheese is a nutritious twist on this creamy pasta favorite! Made with whole wheat pasta, broccoli, spinach, and peas, this dinner is a powerhouse of nutrients that kids and adults will love.

top view of green mac and cheese in a white dish


If you love mac and cheese, this Healthy Homemade Mac and Cheese is the perfect recipe for you! The dish is packed with cheesy flavor and vibrant green color that makes kids want to eat their veggies. Plus it’s the perfect easy vegetarian dinner recipe to serve the family for St. Patrick’s Day.  Made with whole wheat pasta, a bunch of green veggies, fresh herbs, and cheese.  

Looking for other mac and cheese recipes? Try this Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese or this delicious Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.

Why you’ll love this homemade mac and cheese

  • Delicious! It’s cheesy, creamy, and so tasty. 
  • Healthy: This pasta is made with whole-wheat pasta, dairy-free milk, and plenty of green veggies to give it that pretty color. Packed with nutrition!
  • Easy to make: This is a simple and easy mac and cheese recipe that will be on the dinner table in 45 minutes.
close up green mac and cheese recipe

Ingredients you’ll need

This is just a list of ingredients you will need to make this creamy baked Healthy Mac and Cheese. Full measurements are listed further down below.

Whole wheat elbow macaroni
Broccoli
Peas
Spinach
Green onions
Garlic cloves
Oregano
Gluten-free flour
Non-dairy milk of choice
White cheddar cheese
Kosher salt and ground pepper

Ingredients for green mac and cheese on counter.

How to make This healthy Mac and Cheese

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Cook pasta: In a large pot of salted water cook the pasta according to package directions; drain 2-3 minutes before al-dente. Place drained pasta into an oven dish. Add broccoli florets and peas and stir to combine.
  • Blend the sauce: In a high speed blender add the spinach, green onions, garlic, oregano leaves and flour. Pour in the milk and blend until smooth, then taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook sauce: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking occasionally for about 6-8 minutes, or until it thickens and it coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
Pouring green cheese sauce into baking dish.
  • Bake: Pour the sauce over the pasta and veggies in the baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and broccoli is tender.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!
Oval baking dish of green mac and cheese with ingredients on the side.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

  • Pasta: We used whole wheat pasta, but you can substitute for a gluten-free or white pasta as desired. Consider the healthier pasta options out there like lentil or chickpea pasta.
  • Veggies: Fresh vegetables will give you the best results in this recipe. We don’t suggest using frozen spinach or broccoli, as may make the sauce watery. 
  • Milk: Almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk would make good options. Any dairy-free milk option will work, but make sure it is unsweetened. If you like you may use 2% milk.
  • Tips for the creamy sauce: Make sure to blend the sauce until very smooth before cooking for a creamy sauce. 
  • Tips for pasta: Make sure to drain the pasta 2-3 minutes before it is al dente. It will continue to cook while baking.
Close view of mac and cheese with broccoli, spinach, and peas.

frequently asked questions

Is it healthy to eat mac and cheese?

Green mac and cheese is the healthiest way to eat it! Low in fat, loaded with veggies. It’s made with whole grains, has protein from the cheese, and is packed with nutrients from all the green veggies.

How long does mac and cheese last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. 

Can I freeze mac and cheese?

This recipe can be made ahead and frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake until warmed through.

What do I serve with mac and cheese?

For more protein, you can serve this recipe alongside steak like this Filet Steak with Mushroom Sauce or baked chicken like this Baked BBQ Chicken Breast. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread, a simple green salad, or fresh fruit. 

Spoon inside serving dish of health mac and cheese.

more healthy pasta recipes

top view green ,ac and cheese in a white dish

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top view of green mac and cheese in a white dish

Healthy Green Mac and Cheese

Healthy Green Mac and Cheese is a nutritious twist on this creamy pasta favorite! Made with whole wheat pasta, broccoli, spinach, and peas this dinner is a powerhouse of nutrients that kids and adults will love. Plus it’s dairy-free and vegetarian.
4.92 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5 -6
Calories: 429kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 10 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 1 medium head of broccoli cut into small florets
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 2-3 green onions roughly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 handful of oregano leaves picked
  • 1 1/2 tbsp gluten free flour
  • 2 cups non-dairy milk of choice
  • 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
  • Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a large pot of salted water cook the pasta according to package directions; drain 2-3 minutes before al-dente. Place drained pasta into an oven dish. Add broccoli florets and peas and stir to combine.
  • In a high speed blender add the spinach, green onions, garlic, oregano leaves and flour. Pour in the milk and blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking occasionally for about 6-8 minutes, or until it thickens and it coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
  • Pour the sauce over the pasta and veggies in the baking dish.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and broccoli is tender.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Pasta: We use whole wheat pasta, but you can substitute for a gluten-free or white pasta as desired. You may also use lentil or chickpea pasta.
  • Veggies: Fresh vegetables will give you the best results in this recipe. We don’t suggest using frozen spinach or broccoli, as may make the sauce watery. 
  • Milk: Almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk would make good options. Any dairy-free milk option will work, but make sure it is unsweetened. 
  • Tips for the creamy sauce: Make sure to blend the sauce until very smooth before cooking for a creamy sauce.
  • Tips for pasta: Make sure to drain the pasta 2-3 minutes before it is al dente. It will continue to cook while baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 481mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1290IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 492mg | Iron: 3mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mariah says

    I initially rated this 4 stars because of how it tasted on Thanksgiving, but I’m giving it 3 stars now because of how it reheats. The cheese seperated from the macaroni and it took on an unpleasant vegetal taste. I put in more cheese than it called for but it was still not cheesy enough. It was too liquid. I agree with the other commenter about reducing the milk.

    • Mariah says

      4 stars
      They didn’t – check the nutrition facts and look at how high the protein content is. It wouldn’t be that high if it was non-dairy cheese which is made from starch and oil.

  2. MK Derr says

    5 stars
    Excellent & very tasty! I did use frozen spinach..just let it sit out to thaw and than squeeze all the moisture out. Increased flour by 1/2 TBSP & decreased milk by 1/4 cup. Perfect consistency!

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