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Spinach Havarti Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.4 from 5 reviews

This creamy Spinach Havarti Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic dish, combining tender pasta with a rich havarti cheese sauce and fresh spinach for a nutritious upgrade.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 3/4 pound elbow macaroni pasta

Sauce

  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk

Cheese and Vegetables

  • 2 cups shredded Havarti cheese
  • 2 heaping cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Seasoning

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in very salty water until al dente, ensuring the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter: Return the empty pot to the stovetop, add the unsalted butter, and melt it over medium heat to prepare for the roux.
  3. Create the roux: Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to combine. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and sizzling, taking care not to brown it.
  4. Add the milk slowly: Gradually pour in the milk a bit at a time while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth sauce base.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to cook for 8-10 minutes, whisking occasionally. It should thicken and reach a low simmer, indicating the roux has cooked through.
  6. Add cheese and spinach: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded Havarti cheese and chopped fresh spinach. Continue stirring until the cheese completely melts and the spinach wilts into the sauce.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to coat every piece. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnished with fresh cracked black pepper for an extra kick.

Notes

  • Use very salty water to cook the pasta to enhance flavor.
  • Havarti cheese melts smoothly, but feel free to substitute with other mild, creamy cheeses if desired.
  • For a richer sauce, whole milk or 2% milk is recommended.
  • Add spinach at the end to keep it tender but not overcooked.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/spinach-havarti-mac-and-cheese-recipe/