ATK's Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese

 

Based on recipe from Cooks Country of America's Test Kitchen (subscription may be required).

NOTES

A jar of artichoke hearts has less than a cup when chopped, even if it is marked at 8 oz.

The recipe doesn't make it clear if any of the artichoke brine is to be used.

Prepare all ingredients ahead of time, except for garlic and macaroni. It will make the recipe come together faster.

Serves 4. Half amounts are in parentheses.

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbl extra virgin olive oil (1-1/2 tsp)

3 garlic cloves, minced (1 large clove)

5 oz baby spinach, chopped coarse (2-1/2 oz)

1-1/2 cup water (3/4 cup)

1 cup whole milk (1/2 cup)

8 oz (2 cup) elbow macaroni (4 oz; 1 cup)

1/4 tsp salt (1/8 tsp)

1/2 tsp pepper (1/4 tsp)

1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, chopped (1/2 cup)

4 oz American cheese, shredded coarse from a block, not from slices (2 oz)

4 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded coarse (2 oz)

1-1/2 oz (1/2 cup) Parmesan, shredded (3/4 oz or 1/4 cup)

PREPARATION

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil on medium high until shimmering.

2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds; add spinach, cooking 2-3 mins until wilted, then transferring the spinach to a bowl and setting aside.

3. Measure water and milk into now-empty saucepan and heat on high until it barely comes to a boil.

4. Stir in elbow noodles and 1/4 tsp salt (1/8 tsp), reduce heat to medium low, and stir frequently for 6-8 mins, until noodles are slightly past al dente.

5. Add artichokes, American cheese, and 1/2 tsp pepper (1/4 tsp), stirring constantly about a minute, until cheese is completely melted.

6. Remove from heat; stir in cheddar and Parmesan until evenly distributed but not melted; then cover and let stand for 5 mins.

7. Add spinach and stir until loose sauce is smooth; season with salt and pepper. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

NUTRITION INFO

Calories 680

Fat 39 g

Fatty acids, saturated 17 g

Fatty acids, trans 1 g

Fatty acids, monounsaturated 10 g

Fatty acids, polyunsaturated 2 g

Cholesterol 81 mg

Sodium 951 mg

Carbohydrate 53 g

Fiber, total dietary 5 g

Sugars 6 g

Protein 34 g