Baked Macaroni and Spinach Casserole

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 3.9 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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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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