Creamy Hidden Cauliflower and Spinach Mac and Cheese

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

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 ready in about 35 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, (about 6 oz) cauliflower florets, packed 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 5 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Hidden Cauliflower and Spinach Mac and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Creamy Hidden Cauliflower and Spinach Mac and Cheese?

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 Creamy Hidden Cauliflower and Spinach Mac and Cheese?

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 Creamy Hidden Cauliflower and Spinach Mac and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Creamy Hidden Cauliflower and Spinach Mac and Cheese?

American kid friendly 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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