Yield: 8
Spinach & Artichoke Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried macaroni
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- hot sauce, to taste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bag baby spinach
- ½ cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions and set aside. In a small saucepan, gently heat milk and cream. Do not let it come to a boil.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and frothy, add flour and whisk. Whisk constantly until the butter and flour mixture are totally combined and become a golden brown colour, about two or three minutes. This is called a roux. Carefully pour your milk and cream into your roux, whisking constantly. Use extreme caution as the mixture will bubble up and you don’t want to burn yourself. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and has thickened, another one or two minutes. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and whisk until it has fully melted. Add the shredded Parmesan and whisk until it has fully melted. Add salt, pepper and any other seasonings you’d like, stirring constantly. Pour cheese mixture over macaroni and stir thoroughly.
- In a large saucepan or frying pan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for about a minute. Add artichoke hearts and baby spinach. Cover for two or three minutes until spinach is wilted. Pour spinach and artichoke mixture over mac and cheese and stir thoroughly until combined.
- For baked mac and cheese, pour mac and cheese into a casserole dish or individual ramekins. Top with breadcrumbs and more shaved Parmesan and bake at 350ºF until the breadcrumbs have become golden brown, about 25 minutes.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Leave a Reply