St Patrick's Day Food for Kids: Green Macaroni and Cheese
Stir up this vibrant Green Macaroni and Cheese recipe, made with real spinach, for a festive St. Patrick's Day meal that's sure to be a hit with kids.
Ingredients
- One 14.5 ounces box of whole wheat pasta shapes
- One bag pre-washed baby spinach or one package frozen spinach defrosted & moisture squeezed out
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons white flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Over medium heat, drizzle a little oil into a saute pan. Add spinach and wait until it reduces in size and is soft, turning occasionally.
- Add wilted spinach to a food processor and puree until smooth. (For frozen spinach, put defrosted spinach directly in food processor)
- Cook and drain pasta according to package directions.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add flour, whisk and cook for one minute. Slowly add milk continuing to whisk until combined. Continue stirring and allow the rue to come to a slow bubble.
- Add the shredded cheese and stir until cheese melts and is combined. Add nutmeg, cayenne, salt and pepper.
- Stir in spinach puree until combined. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat pasta.
- Serve immediately or pour into casserole dish, top with some additional shredded cheese if desired, and bake on 350 degrees just until the cheese is melty and bubbly. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 402kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 333mgFiber: 1g
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