Mediterranean Shrimp & Spinach Mac Cheese Delight
Indulge in this savory twist on classic mac and cheese, infused with vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Our Mediterranean Shrimp & Spinach Mac Cheese Delight combines perfectly al dente elbow macaroni with succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, all enveloped in a luscious sauce made with Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and Greek yogurt. The dish is brightened with refreshing lemon zest and aromatic oregano, offering a delightful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Your guests will be clamoring for seconds!
8
Servings
432
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
1 lb (uncooked)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for pasta water)
Medium shrimp
3/4 lb (peeled and deveined)
Low-fat milk
1 3/4 cups (liquid)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing
3/4 cup (dressing)
Low-fat Greek yogurt
1 cup (dairy)
Lemon
1/2 (zest only)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (spice)
Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (spice)
Shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups (cheese)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh spinach leaves
2 cups (raw)
Crumbled feta cheese
2 ounces (cheese)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter a 3-quart or 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and salt, cooking uncovered until al dente, approximately 9 minutes. Stir occasionally. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3
Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, about 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4
In a large pot over medium heat, combine the low-fat milk, Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, dried oregano, and nutmeg. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5
Once simmering, remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
6
Add the cooked macaroni, shrimp, and fresh spinach to the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
7
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta cheese is golden brown and the dish is bubbling.
Nutrition Information
10.6g
Fat
51.25g
Carbs
20.625g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Shrimp & Spinach Mac Cheese Delight?
It is a savory twist on classic macaroni and cheese featuring Mediterranean flavors like shrimp, spinach, feta, and a ranch-infused sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 432 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni in boiling water for approximately 9 minutes or until al dente.
How do I prepare the shrimp?
Use 3/4 lb of medium shrimp that are peeled and deveined, then boil them for about 2 minutes until opaque.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from low-fat milk, Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing, and low-fat Greek yogurt.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 10.6g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
There are 51.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this mac and cheese?
Each serving provides 20.625g of protein.
What size baking dish is required?
Use a 3-quart or a 9x13-inch baking dish.
How much Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of the dressing.
What kind of yogurt is used in the sauce?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of low-fat Greek yogurt.
How do I use the lemon in this recipe?
Use the zest of half a lemon to brighten the flavors.
What spices are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese.
How much spinach is added to the mixture?
Add 2 cups of fresh, raw spinach leaves.
What cheese is used as a topping?
The dish is topped with 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake for 25-30 minutes.
When is the dish considered ready?
It is ready when the feta cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Should I rinse the pasta after boiling?
Yes, rinse the cooked macaroni with cold water to stop the cooking process.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients.
Is there milk in this recipe?
Yes, it uses 1 3/4 cups of low-fat milk.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly butter the baking dish before adding the mixture.
What type of shrimp should I buy?
Medium shrimp that are already peeled and deveined are recommended.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is tagged as a weeknight dinner and a great comfort food option.
Can I serve this at a party?
Absolutely, it is recommended for festive gatherings and even as a Super Bowl recipe.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by simmering the milk, ranch, and yogurt, then melting in the Parmesan cheese.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavor with a hint of citrus and aromatic herbs.