Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 10 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 medium broccoli head, cut into small florets
- 1 cup peas
Green Sauce
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2-3 green onions, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 handful oregano leaves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons gluten free flour
- 2 cups non-dairy milk of choice
- 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- Cook pasta and vegetables: Boil salted water and cook 10 ounces of whole wheat elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain the pasta 2-3 minutes before it’s al dente to avoid overcooking. Transfer the drained pasta to an oven-safe dish, add the broccoli florets and peas, and stir gently to combine.
- Blend the green sauce ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine fresh spinach, chopped green onions, garlic cloves, oregano leaves, gluten free flour, and non-dairy milk. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Season with kosher salt and ground pepper to taste.
- Cook the sauce on stovetop: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking occasionally for 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Add grated white cheddar cheese and whisk until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and bake: Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the pasta and vegetables in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cheese bubbles and broccoli is tender.
- Serve immediately: Remove from oven and serve hot for the best creamy, cheesy green mac and cheese experience.
Notes
- Using whole wheat macaroni adds fiber and a nutty flavor for a healthier twist.
- Non-dairy milk options include almond, soy, or oat milk depending on preference.
- For a stronger herb flavor, add extra oregano or fresh basil in the blender step.
- You can substitute white cheddar with vegan cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Make sure to drain pasta slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Gluten-free flour is used here to keep the sauce thickening gluten-free; all-purpose flour can be substituted if gluten is not a concern.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free