Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt

Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a twist of Greek Yogurt offers a nutritious take on the classic dish. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess while the spinach brings a pop of color and nutrients. This flavorful twist is sure to become a new favorite for mac and cheese lovers.

Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt
  • Prep Time
    10 mins
  • Cook Time
    50 mins
  • Total Time
    1 hrs 0 mins

Ingredients

  • Spray for cooking
  • 1 package dried elbow macaroni (16 ounces)
  • A few thin slices of prosciutto, or more if desired
  • Butter without salt (2 tablespoons)
  • All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic powder (2 teaspoons)
  • Cumin powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Fat-free plain Greek yogurt (2 cups)
  • Reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into small pieces (half of an 8-ounce package)
  • Gruyere cheese, shredded (1.5 cups)
  • White Cheddar cheese, shredded (1.5 cups)
  • Fresh spinach, roughly chopped (3 cups)

Step 1

Position the oven rack on the top level and preheat it to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Begin by lining a baking pan with aluminum foil, then generously coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleaning later on.

Step 2

In a sizable pot, bring lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, approximately 8 minutes. Once done, drain the macaroni, but remember to reserve about 2 1/2 cups of the pasta water for later use. Return the macaroni to the pot to keep warm.

Step 3

While the macaroni is boiling, arrange the prosciutto slices on the prepared baking pan. Place the pan on the top rack of the preheated oven and let the prosciutto cook until it turns dry and crispy, usually around 6 to 8 minutes. Once ready, chop the prosciutto roughly. Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and adjust the rack to the middle position for the next step.

Step 4

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk for about a minute until a smooth paste forms. Introduce the garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, stirring for an additional minute. Gradually whisk in the Greek yogurt, cooking until it's heated through and bubbling, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of the reserved pasta water and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5

Incorporate the cream cheese into the mixture, stirring until it melts completely. Begin adding a generous 1/4 cup of Gruyere and Cheddar cheeses at a time, ensuring each addition melts thoroughly before adding more. Repeat this process until all the cheese is used, and the sauce reaches a thick consistency. Adjust the thickness by stirring in additional pasta water as needed.

Step 6

Mix in the spinach with the cooked macaroni, then pour in the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well combined and coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the chopped prosciutto over the top for added flavor and crunch.

Step 7

Bake the dish in the preheated oven until the edges start to bubble slightly, typically around 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy the delicious and creamy macaroni and cheese with a delightful crispy prosciutto topping!

Extra Tips & Suggestions

  1. 1. Keep your creamy spinach mac and cheese in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
  2. 2. Store any leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating and serving later on. This way, you can grab a quick and satisfying meal whenever you're in a rush.

Reviews

  • A
    Axton
    March 20, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt sounds delicious! The addition of Greek yogurt must give it a nice tangy flavor. Can't wait to try it out at our next get-together

  • L
    Laney
    March 19, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt sounds absolutely delicious! Such a creative twist on a classic dish. I can't wait to try it out - thanks for sharing the recipe!

  • L
    Luna
    March 12, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt twist sounds absolutely delicious! I can just imagine how creamy and flavorful it must be. Can't wait to try it out for my next cozy night in. Thanks for sharing

  • O
    Owen
    March 12, 2025

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  • B
    Baylor
    March 9, 2025

    Hey Sarah, I just tried out this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt recipe and it was absolutely delicious! The Greek yogurt added such a nice tangy flavor to the dish. Definitely a must-try

  • J
    Jairo
    March 9, 2025

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  • A
    Aubri
    March 9, 2025

    Hey there! Just tried your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt twist, and oh my goodness, it was a flavor explosion! The creaminess from the Greek yogurt took it to a whole new level. Thanks

  • K
    Kailyn
    March 8, 2025

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  • I
    Ian
    March 2, 2025

    Hey! I tried your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt and it was amazing! The Greek yogurt added such a nice tangy twist to the creamy goodness. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!

  • K
    Kaden
    March 1, 2025

    Oh my goodness, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt twist sounds absolutely delicious! I can already imagine the tangy flavor of the Greek yogurt blending perfectly with the cheesy goodness. Definitely adding this to my must-try

  • A
    Arian
    February 28, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek yogurt sounds like a delicious twist on a classic favorite! I can't wait to try it out - thanks for sharing the recipe!

  • R
    Rosie
    February 26, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt sounds absolutely delicious! The addition of yogurt must give it a nice tangy kick. Can't wait to try this out at home!

  • B
    Benjamin
    February 22, 2025

    Hey there, this creamy spinach mac and cheese with a twist of Greek yogurt sounds absolutely divine! I can just imagine the tangy yogurt complementing the cheesy goodness perfectly. Definitely a must-try for your next cozy night in!

  • F
    Felicity
    February 22, 2025

    Hey, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt sounds amazing! Such a clever twist to make it healthier. Can't wait to try it out at home! Thanks for sharing the recipe, friend!

  • S
    Sebastian
    February 22, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt sounds absolutely delicious! I love the idea of adding a healthy twist with the Greek yogurt. Can't wait to give this recipe a try! Thanks for sharing!

  • S
    Savannah
    February 19, 2025

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  • C
    Colton
    February 14, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt sounds like a delicious twist on a classic favorite! I can't wait to try it out - thanks for sharing this yummy recipe!

  • B
    Brody
    February 13, 2025

    Wow, your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt twist sounds absolutely divine! I can already imagine the creamy goodness with a healthy kick. Can't wait to try it out at my next dinner party! Thanks for sharing

  • J
    Jasiah
    February 8, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt sounds like a deliciously unique combination! I can already imagine the creamy texture and tangy flavor. Can't wait to try it out for a cozy

  • L
    Liana
    February 8, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt twist sounds amazing! I can imagine how the tanginess of the yogurt adds a delicious twist to the classic comfort food. Can't wait to try it out!

  • L
    Levi
    February 7, 2025

    Hey friend, your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt sounds delicious! I love that healthy twist with the yogurt. Can't wait to try it out at home! Keep those tasty recipes coming!

  • M
    Mathew
    February 7, 2025

    Hey there! Your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt sounds absolutely delightful! I can just imagine the creamy goodness and the hint of tanginess from the Greek yogurt. It's such a creative and healthy

  • J
    Jocelyn
    January 30, 2025

    Hey there! Your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt sounds absolutely delicious! I love how you added that healthy touch with the Greek yogurt. Can't wait to try it out myself! Keep those amazing

  • M
    Madden
    January 28, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt sounds like the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist! I can already imagine the creamy texture and the flavorful combination of spinach and cheese. Can't wait

  • C
    Chloe
    January 27, 2025

    Hey! This Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt twist sounds amazing! I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe with me!

  • J
    Jamari
    January 26, 2025

    This Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt twist sounds absolutely delicious! I can already imagine the creamy and tangy flavors blending perfectly with the cheesy goodness. Can't wait to try this recipe out for my next cozy night

  • K
    Kamryn
    January 25, 2025

    Hey there! Just tried your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt - what a delicious twist! The creaminess from the yogurt added a lovely touch. Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe!

  • A
    Athena
    January 23, 2025

    Hey there! Your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt sounds absolutely delicious! I love the idea of adding some extra creaminess and tanginess with the Greek yogurt. Can't wait to try this out

  • A
    Averie
    January 22, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt sounds like the perfect comfort food with a healthy twist! I can't wait to try it out for a cozy night in. Thanks for sharing this delicious

  • S
    Silas
    January 21, 2025

    Wow, this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Greek Yogurt sounds like a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food! I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

  • A
    Aya
    January 19, 2025

    Hey there! Your Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese with Greek Yogurt sounds absolutely divine! The twist of adding Greek yogurt must give it a lovely tanginess. Can't wait to try it out! Thanks for sharing, friend!

  • M
    Margo
    January 16, 2025

    Yum! That sounds like the perfect blend of comfort and freshness. Can't wait to try it out for dinner tonight!

  • E
    Evelyn
    January 13, 2025

    A delicious twist on mac and cheese! Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying with a healthy dollop of Greek yogurt. Yum!

  • J
    Jose
    January 13, 2025

    "Who knew adding Greek yogurt to mac and cheese could be so delicious! Creamy and tangy, my taste buds are doing a happy dance.

  • Z
    Zara
    January 13, 2025

    "Who knew adding Greek yogurt to mac and cheese could make it even creamier? This twist is a game changer for sure!

  • I
    Isaac
    January 13, 2025

    This sounds like a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food! I love the idea of adding Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy flavor. Definitely going to try this recipe soon.

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