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Green Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.2 from 50 reviews

A creamy, vegetable-packed green mac and cheese made with whole wheat pasta, fresh broccoli, peas, and a vibrant green cheese sauce blended with spinach, green onions, and herbs. This gluten-free flour-thickened sauce is dairy-free using non-dairy milk and white cheddar cheese, baked to bubbly perfection for a nutritious twist on the classic comfort dish.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 10 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 1 medium broccoli head, cut into small florets
  • 1 cup peas

Sauce

  • 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 (unsweetened almond, coconut, or cashew milk recommended)
  • 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F to warm up while preparing the rest of the dish.
  2. Cook the pasta and veggies: In a large pot of salted water, boil 10 ounces of whole wheat elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain the pasta 2-3 minutes before it’s al dente to avoid overcooking. Transfer the drained pasta to an oven-safe baking dish and stir in the broccoli florets and peas evenly.
  3. Blend the green sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine 1 cup fresh spinach, 2-3 roughly chopped green onions, 2 garlic cloves, a handful of oregano leaves, and 1 1/2 tablespoons gluten free flour. Pour in the 2 cups of your chosen non-dairy milk and blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Season with kosher salt and ground pepper to taste.
  4. Cook the sauce: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking occasionally for 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Then stir in 2 cups of grated white cheddar cheese and whisk continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine and bake: Pour the cheesy green sauce over the pasta and vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbling and the broccoli is tender.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve immediately for a delicious, creamy green mac and cheese meal.

Notes

  • Pasta: Whole wheat pasta is used for added fiber, but gluten-free, white, lentil, or chickpea pasta can be substituted based on preference or dietary needs.
  • Vegetables: Fresh broccoli and spinach deliver the best texture and flavor. Avoid frozen spinach or broccoli in the sauce to prevent watery consistency.
  • Milk: Use unsweetened non-dairy milks such as almond, coconut, or cashew milk to keep the sauce creamy and dairy-free.
  • Sauce tips: Blend the sauce thoroughly until very smooth before cooking for the creamiest texture.
  • Pasta cooking: Drain pasta a few minutes early as it will finish cooking during baking, preventing mushiness.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/green-mac-and-cheese-recipe/