Ingredients
Pasta
- 10.58 ounces macaroni (uncooked)
Spinach Mixture
- 5.29 ounces spinach (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- White pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
- ½ cup mature cheddar cheese (coarsely grated)
- 2-3 tablespoons parmesan (coarsely grated)
- 1¼ cups semi-skimmed milk (light milk)
- 1½ tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water according to the packet instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the spinach mixture: Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat and fry the finely chopped onion and garlic for a few minutes until softened, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add the chopped spinach, season with sea salt and white pepper, and cook over medium-high heat for about a minute until the spinach reduces in volume, stirring constantly. Remove from heat before the mixture becomes watery, then puree until smooth and silky. Set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add flour and whisk quickly to form a paste (roux). Gradually increase the heat while slowly adding semi-skimmed milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and let it thicken further for 2 minutes.
- Combine and finish: Stir the spinach puree and grated cheeses into the thickened sauce until smooth and glossy. Add the cooked macaroni, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and nutrients, frozen can be substituted but thoroughly drained after thawing.
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use olive oil or vegan butter.
- Adjust the amount of parmesan to taste for sharper flavor intensity.
- To make the dish gluten free, use gluten free macaroni and substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
