Cheesy Tuna Macaroni with Hidden Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic mac and cheese with a twist, blended with creamy spinach and flaked tuna for extra protein and nutrients that kids will love. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 28 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, (5 oz), drained tuna, finely chopped fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a separate saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat; whisk in 1/2 tsp dry mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Gradually stir in 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup finely chopped spinach until wilted (about 1 minute), then add the drained macaroni and 5 oz drained tuna, and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Tuna Macaroni with Hidden Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Cheesy Tuna Macaroni with Hidden Spinach?

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 Cheesy Tuna Macaroni with Hidden Spinach?

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 Cheesy Tuna Macaroni with Hidden Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Cheesy Tuna Macaroni with Hidden Spinach?

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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