Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Dish

If you love ultra-creamy pasta dishes and rich vegetable-forward comfort food, creamed spinach mac & cheese is about to become your new favorite recipe. This dish takes everything you love about classic macaroni and cheese—gooey cheese sauce, tender pasta, and cozy indulgence—and elevates it with luxurious creamed spinach folded into every bite.

Inspired by the iconic steakhouse side dish, creamed spinach, this recipe blends silky spinach cream sauce with a classic cheese base to create a mac and cheese that feels both nostalgic and elevated. It’s comforting enough for weeknights, indulgent enough for holidays, and versatile enough to serve as a main dish or standout side.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting a dinner party, or just craving something deeply satisfying, this spinach mac and cheese delivers rich flavor, balanced creaminess, and irresistible texture.

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Why Creamed Spinach Belongs in Mac & Cheese

Creamed spinach is already a comfort food favorite, known for its velvety texture and savory depth. When paired with macaroni and cheese, it adds:

• Balanced richness that cuts through heavy cheese
• Extra creaminess without dryness
• Subtle vegetal flavor that enhances—not overwhelms—the dish
• A hint of elegance to a classic comfort meal

This recipe doesn’t just stir spinach into cheese sauce—it builds a proper creamed spinach base with garlic, butter, and cream before folding it into the pasta. The result is smooth, cohesive, and deeply flavorful.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

This isn’t your average spinach mac and cheese. It’s designed to be:

• Extra creamy (no dry pasta here)
• Cheese-forward but balanced
• Baked or stovetop-friendly
• Family-approved and holiday-ready

The cheese blend melts smoothly, the spinach stays tender, and the sauce coats every noodle evenly. It’s indulgent without being greasy, rich without being heavy, and comforting without being boring.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• Elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
• Salted water for boiling

For the Creamed Spinach:

• Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Cream cheese (for extra silkiness)
• Nutmeg (optional but recommended)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• All-purpose flour
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper

Each ingredient plays a key role in building depth, silkiness, and classic mac and cheese flavor.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Wilt the spinach
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until fully wilted. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess liquid before adding.
3. Create the creamed spinach base
   Pour in heavy cream and milk. Add cream cheese and nutmeg. Simmer gently until smooth and thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Make the cheese sauce
   In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thick.
5. Add the cheese
   Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and silky.
6. Combine everything
   Fold the creamed spinach into the cheese sauce, then stir in cooked pasta until evenly coated.
7. Optional baking step
   Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Rest and serve
   Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle.

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Pro Tips for Ultra-Creamy Mac & Cheese

• Undercook pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
• Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid grainy sauce.
• Don’t skip nutmeg—it subtly enhances the creaminess.

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Variations and Add-Ins

Make this recipe your own with easy upgrades:

• Protein boost: Add crispy bacon or rotisserie chicken.
• Extra greens: Mix in kale or Swiss chard.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
• Crunchy topping: Add buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.

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What to Serve With Creamed Spinach Mac & Cheese

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted chicken or steak
• Simple green salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables

It’s hearty enough to stand alone but also shines as a decadent side dish.

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Storage and Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

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Perfect for Holidays and Weeknights

This creamed spinach mac & cheese works just as well on a busy Tuesday night as it does on a holiday table. It’s elegant enough for guests and comforting enough for family dinners—making it a versatile recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a mac and cheese that feels indulgent, elevated, and irresistibly creamy, this is it. Creamed spinach mac & cheese combines two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable dish that delivers richness, balance, and pure satisfaction in every bite.