Baked Macaroni and Spinach Casserole

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, cheesy baked macaroni dish with spinach and a buttery mushroom sauce, perfect for family dinners. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, grated cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix cooked macaroni, spinach, and 1/2 cup grated cheese.
  3. Step 3: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring until smooth. Add soup and remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cook 5 minutes until thickened.
  4. Step 4: Pour sauce over macaroni-spinach mixture. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Macaroni and Spinach Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Macaroni and Spinach Casserole?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Macaroni and Spinach Casserole?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Macaroni and Spinach Casserole for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Macaroni and Spinach Casserole?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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