Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious & Flavorful: The addition of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and peas provides vitamins and fiber, making it a much healthier option without compromising on taste.
- Dairy-Free & Vegetarian: This recipe is great for those avoiding dairy or meat, yet it still maintains that creamy texture and cheesy flavor we all love.
- Easy & Quick: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this nutritious meal in under an hour.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce and familiar flavors will appeal to children, and you can sneak in those extra veggies without them noticing!
Ingredients
- 10 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2-3 green onions, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 handful oregano leaves
- 1 ½ tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 2 cups non-dairy milk of choice (such as almond, coconut, or cashew milk)
- 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta and Veggies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni according to package directions, draining it 2-3 minutes before it’s fully al dente.
- Place the drained pasta into an oven-safe dish. Add the broccoli florets and peas to the pasta and stir to combine.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a high-speed blender, add the spinach, green onions, garlic cloves, oregano leaves, and gluten-free flour. Pour in the non-dairy milk and blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking occasionally for about 6-8 minutes, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the grated white cheddar cheese and whisk until it’s fully melted and smooth. Season with kosher salt and ground pepper to taste.
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta and veggies in the baking dish. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the broccoli is tender.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your nutritious and cheesy green mac and cheese!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 5-6
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the whole wheat pasta for gluten-free pasta or use chickpea or lentil pasta for an even more protein-packed meal.
- Add More Veggies: You can throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and ensure your non-dairy milk is unsweetened for a completely dairy-free meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the dish in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of non-dairy milk to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute the white cheddar cheese with any non-dairy cheese you prefer, or you can use a combination of different vegan cheeses for varied flavors.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
3. Can I freeze Green Mac and Cheese?
Yes, Green Mac and Cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
4. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, tofu, or any plant-based protein for extra protein and a more substantial meal.
5. Why do I need to drain the pasta a little early?
Draining the pasta 2-3 minutes before it’s fully cooked allows it to absorb some of the creamy sauce while baking, which helps create a creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Green Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of creamy comfort food with a nutritious twist. With its hearty veggies and dairy-free, vegetarian ingredients, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping. Whether you’re looking to sneak in more greens or just want a healthier version of your favorite mac and cheese, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Green Mac and Cheese: A Healthy Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: undefined
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This **Green Mac and Cheese** is a nutritious and creamy twist on the classic mac and cheese, made with whole wheat pasta, broccoli, spinach, peas, and a dairy-free cheese sauce. It’s a perfect comfort meal that’s both healthy and indulgent.
Ingredients
10 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 medium head of broccoli, cut into small florets
1 cup peas
1 cup fresh spinach
2–3 green onions, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 handful oregano leaves
1 ½ tablespoons gluten-free flour
2 cups non-dairy milk of choice (almond, coconut, or cashew milk)
2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta in salted water until 2-3 minutes before fully al dente. Drain and add the broccoli and peas to the pasta in an oven-safe dish.
- For the creamy sauce, blend spinach, green onions, garlic, oregano, and flour with non-dairy milk until smooth. Cook over low heat until thickened, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and veggies. Mix well, then bake for 18-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and broccoli is tender.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Variations: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for gluten-free or chickpea pasta.
Vegan: Use vegan cheese for a completely dairy-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
