Include in Print View:

Quick Macaroni And Cheese

Quick Macaroni and Cheese recipe image
This comforting macaroni and cheese recipe combines creamy Swiss cheese sauce with tender pasta, fresh spinach, and bright tomatoes. The addition of nutmeg and garlic powder enhances the rich, savory flavor profile, while the flour roux ensures a smooth, velvety texture. It is an ideal weeknight dinner that is both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. The vegetables add a nutritious twist to this classic American comfort food, making it a family-friendly meal that balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy evenings when you crave something warm, cheesy, and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 161.9
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting macaroni and cheese recipe combines creamy Swiss cheese sauce with tender pasta, fresh spinach, and bright tomatoes. The addition of nutmeg and garlic powder enhances the rich, savory flavor profile, while the flour roux ensures a smooth, velvety texture. It is an ideal weeknight dinner that is both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. The vegetables add a nutritious twist to this classic American comfort food, making it a family-friendly meal that balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy evenings when you crave something warm, cheesy, and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
  • 1 pound PENNE, RIGATONI, ELBOW MAC
  • 3 cup MILK
  • 1 ea MEDIUM ONION, SLICED
  • 2 cup GRATED SWISS CHEESE
  • 4 tablespoon MARGARINE, MELTED
  • 1/4 teaspoon PEPPER
  • 10 ounce FROZEN, CHOPPED SPINACH
  • 1/8 teaspoon GROUND NUTMEG
  • 1 teaspoon GARLIC POWDER
  • 2 ea MEDIUM TOMATOES, CHOPPED
  • 1/4 cup ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
Directions
  1. 1
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. 2
    Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions.
  3. 3
    Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  4. 4
    In a large skillet or saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat.
  5. 5
    Add sliced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  6. 6
    Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  7. 7
    Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form.
  8. 8
    Simmer sauce until thickened, stirring constantly.
  9. 9
    Reduce heat and stir in grated Swiss cheese until melted and smooth.
  10. 10
    Add garlic powder, pepper, nutmeg, chopped tomatoes, and thawed spinach.
  11. 11
    Cook until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are heated through.
  12. 12
    Toss cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
  13. 13
    Season to taste and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 161.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10.5g17%
Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 157.0mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 14.8g5%
Dietary Fiber 1.1g5%
Sugars 1.2g
Protein 2.0g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a richer flavor, you can substitute butter for margarine.

If using fresh spinach, reduce the quantity to 2 cups, as it wilts significantly more than frozen spinach.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Feel free to swap Swiss cheese for cheddar, Gruy&# 195;¨re, or a blend for different flavor profiles.

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, spinach, swiss cheese, comfort food, vegetarian, quick dinner, cheese sauce, tomatoes, easy recipe, family meal, american cuisine, creamy pasta, nutmeg, garlic powder, homemade, weeknight meal, pasta dish, cheesy, spinach mac, onion
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/quick-macaroni-and-cheese/