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Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese Ready to Eat

Mac and Cheese Bake


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  • Author: Moms Who Think
  • Yield: Makes 2 entrees, each entree serves 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

⅓ cup dry whole-wheat bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 package (16 ounce) frozen spinach
3½ cups milk, divided
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Gouda cheese
2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 pound whole-wheat penne
½ teaspoon nutmeg

Supplies needed:
Two – 8×8 foil baking dish


Instructions

1. Generously spray both baking dishes with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. In a small bowl, toss together bread crumbs and olive oil.

3. Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain and refresh under cold water. Press out excess moisture. Set aside.

4. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 3 cups milk to a low simmer.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining milk and flour until smooth. Whisk flour mixture into hot milk mixture, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens.

6. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in Cheddar and Gouda, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in cottage cheese and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

7. Cook pasta in the pot of boiling water for 3 minutes less than package directions, about 6 minutes. Drain in colander and add to cheese sauce, stirring to combine.

8. Spread one-quarter of the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dishes. Spoon spinach over top. Top with remaining pasta and sprinkle with bread crumbs.

9. To serve now, preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Per serving
  • Calories: 417
  • Sodium: 181mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 72mg