Creamy Hidden Cauliflower and Spinach Mac and Cheese

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-27 · Updated 2026-05-27

A creamy mac and cheese packed with pureed cauliflower and spinach, creating a nutrient-rich sauce that kids love without noticing the veggies. This American-inspired kid-friendly recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs elbow macaroni, cauliflower florets, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 5, 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.

Ingredients

• 10 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (about 6 oz) cauliflower florets
• 2 cups packed fresh spinach
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 10 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Steam 2 cups cauliflower florets and 2 cups fresh spinach together for 8 minutes until very tender. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling but not browned.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the pureed cauliflower and spinach mixture, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 oz cream cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp mustard powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the drained macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
7. Step 7: Spoon the mac and cheese into a serving dish and sprinkle 1/4 tsp paprika on top for color. Serve immediately.