Description
A creamy macaroni and cheese dish featuring a bright green sauce made with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup packed fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup packed fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the herb base: Combine spinach, parsley, basil, and garlic in a food processor. Process until a smooth, bright green paste forms.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the herb paste until fully incorporated.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add the cooked, drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.
- You can substitute Gruyere for Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 24
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 110
Keywords: Green Goddess Mac And Cheese, herbed mac and cheese, spinach sauce pasta, creamy pasta, vegetarian comfort food