Green Mac and Cheese
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.
Servings: 5 -6
Ingredients
- 10 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 medium broccoli Head cut into small florets
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2-3 green onions roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 handful oregano leaves picked
- 1 1/2 tablespoons 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 10 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain 2-3 minutes before al dente. Place drained pasta into an oven dish. Add 1 medium broccoli Head florets and 1 cup peas and stir to combine.
- In a high-speed blender, add the 1 cup fresh spinach, 2-3 green onions, 2 garlic cloves, 1 handful oregano leaves, and 1 1/2 tablespoons gluten free flour. Pour in the 2 cups non-dairy milk of choice and blend until smooth. Taste and season with Kosher salt and ground 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 2 cups grated white cheddar 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: I 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. I don’t suggest using frozen spinach or broccoli, as it 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