Cheesy Spinach & Macaroni Bake Delight
Indulge in this delectable Cheesy Spinach & Macaroni Bake Delight, a comforting blend of creamy goodness and nutritious spinach. This dish features tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich and velvety sauce made from reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, complemented by a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of thawed spinach not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value, making it a perfect dish for families and gatherings. Bake it to golden perfection, and serve it hot for a satisfying meal everyone will love!
8
Servings
288
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
3 cups (uncooked)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
reduced-fat cream cheese
8 ounces (softened to room temperature)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
low-fat milk
1/3 cup (none)
reduced-fat sour cream
16 ounces (none)
Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
frozen leaf spinach
16 ounces (thawed)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot, drained macaroni with butter and softened cream cheese. Toss gently until the macaroni is evenly coated.
4
Stir in the finely chopped onion, low-fat milk, reduced-fat sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Gently fold in the thawed spinach and 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
31g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Spinach & Macaroni Bake Delight?
It is a comforting blend of elbow macaroni, cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar mixed with spinach and baked until golden.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 288 calories.
What are the fat and protein contents per serving?
Each serving has 11 grams of fat and 12.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 31 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size casserole dish should I use?
You should use a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How much cream cheese do I need?
You need 8 ounces of reduced-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
How much sour cream is required?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of reduced-fat sour cream.
What kind of cheese is added to the bake?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of low-fat milk.
What type of spinach is used?
Use 16 ounces of frozen leaf spinach that has been thawed.
Is there any onion in the dish?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What seasonings are added to the macaroni?
The seasonings include Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
Cook the macaroni in salted water until it is al dente.
How much butter is added to the pasta?
2 tablespoons of melted butter are tossed with the macaroni.
How is the cheese divided for the recipe?
1 1/2 cups are mixed into the macaroni and 1/2 cup is sprinkled on top.
How long should the casserole bake?
Bake the dish for 25 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The top should look golden and bubbly when it is done.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, lightly grease the dish before adding the mixture.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
The tags include cheesy, spinach, macaroni, and comfort food.
Can I serve this dish immediately?
It is recommended to allow it to cool for a few minutes after baking before serving warm.
What is the role of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?
It is used to enhance the savory flavor of the creamy sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What amount of garlic powder is needed?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped.
Is this dish good for large groups?
Yes, its creamy nature and 8-serving yield make it perfect for families and gatherings.
What kind of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of melted butter.