Stove Top Spinach Macaroni and Cheese is an easy mac ‘n cheese from scratch made on the lighter side with the healthy addition of spinach and without any butter. {can be gluten free)
This Stove Top Spinach Macaroni and Cheese is one of my favorite go-to recipes for quick and easy weeknight meals. The kids love pasta and cheese, I love that it is made on the lighter side (without any butter) and takes less than 20 minutes to make.
For the longest time, whenever I needed to make dinner fast for my family, I reached for a plain stove top mac ‘n cheese recipe that uses only four ingredients easily kept on hand at all times – pasta, evaporated milk, an egg and cheese. While we enjoy this plain version often, I decided to kick it up a notch and add some vegetables right into the recipe to make Stove Top Spinach Macaroni and Cheese. The additions of garlic and spinach have transformed that simple recipe into a whole new, tasty dish!
Using simple ingredients, this easy, cheesy Stove Top Spinach Macaroni and Cheese is sure to become a Weekday Supper favorite with your family!
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 9 ounce package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 (12-ounce) can fat free evaporated milk
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until golden and fragrant. Add spinach and cook 4 minutes, or until warmed throughout. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large sauce pan, cook pasta to al dente according to package directions, drain and put back in the sauce pan over medium-low heat.
- Add cheese, egg, salt, cayenne and milk, stirring constantly and cook for 4 minutes, or until cheese melts. Add spinach mixture, stirring until combined.
Looking for more quick and easy weeknight meals? Be sure to check out all of the delicious Weekday Supper inspiration this week!
Monday – Chicken Florentine by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Tuesday – Lime Roasted Root Vegetable Quesadillas with Goat Cheese by Dandelion Greens
Wednesday – Irish Cheddar Potatoes with Lamb and Parsley Pesto by Cooking Chat
Thursday – Broccoli Steaks and Tofu Fries by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Friday – Stove Top Spinach Macaroni and Cheese by Alida’s Kitchen
As always, the idea behind Weekday Supper is that Sunday Supper starts as just one day a week…and soon becomes a way of life.
This look delicious! Love mac & cheese with some added veggies.
Wow, what a fantastic recipe! I love that you’ve lightened it up, and I have most of the ingredients on hand!
I love the addition of spinach to this Mac N Cheese! I love stove top recipes too. Now to get the kids on board with spinach!
I love the spinach in here. A great way to kick it up a notch, Alida!
Yum! I love that little extra heat from the cayenne. This looks delicious!
Looks delicious!
Love the addition of spinach!
I love how this includes a healthy veggie!