Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Spinach and artichoke mac and cheese is a creamy, cozy casserole blending tender pasta with melty cheese, earthy spinach, and tangy artichoke for a comforting twist on a classic.
Imagine golden, bubbling cheese meeting hints of garlicky warmth, soft greens, and a buttery-crisp topping the aroma alone feels like a warm hug in your kitchen. I first made this for one of our Sunday movie nights, and everyone instantly asked for seconds; now it’s a staple when cravings hit or friends drop by. This version is extra luscious, yet simple to pull together no roux, just one pan, and that craveable crisp top in every bite. Promise, you’ll feel right at home from the very first forkful let’s dive in and make some memories!
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Pasta Bake
- Creamy, dreamy comfort – Each bite wraps you in a warm, melty embrace, thanks to the luscious cheese sauce and tender pasta.
- Balanced, crave-able flavors – The gentle earthiness of spinach and the tangy bite of artichoke are the perfect foil to gooey, golden cheese.
- Made for gathering – Whether it’s a blustery night or a lively weeknight dinner, this is that “everyone comes back for seconds” kind of meal.
- Golden, crisped topping – A layer of melty cheese and buttery breadcrumbs bakes up with irresistible crunch that everyone fights over.
- Soul-soothing nostalgia – This isn’t just pasta it’s comfort in a casserole dish, the kind that makes you feel truly at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Short Pasta
Pick your favorite shape classic elbows, cozy shells, or gluten-free twists. This forms the comforting, chewy base every mac and cheese lover craves. - Milk of Your Choice
Whole dairy, oat, or almond milk all work here. The milk brings silkiness and helps build a dreamy, creamy sauce. - Butter
A few generous pats wake up the flavors, adding rich notes and helping everything meld together. - Baby Spinach
Fresh baby spinach wilts right into the mix, offering bright color and tender bites in every forkful. - Artichoke Hearts
Canned artichoke hearts bring tangy, briny pops that balance all the luscious cheese. - Shredded Cheese Blend
Cheddar and fontina melt into gooey pools, but you can swap in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your own favorites. - Cream Cheese
Cubes of cream cheese add unmatched creaminess and a subtle tang that makes the sauce extra rich. - Breadcrumbs
A sprinkle on top creates a golden, crispy crust absolutely irresistible. - Substitution Ideas
Feel free to swap gluten-free pasta or breadcrumbs, use lactose-free cheese, or add your own spins based on what’s in your fridge.
How to Make Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese
- Prep and Layer
Start by adding your favorite short pasta, the milk, and a sprinkle of sea salt into a roomy baking dish. Give it all a gentle swirl, then dot the surface with those dreamy slices of butter this sets the stage for the sauce to turn silky and rich. - Bake the Base
Cover the dish snugly with foil before sliding it into the oven. You’re giving that pasta time to soak up the creamy milk, and the kitchen will soon start to smell downright inviting. - Stir in Greens and Goodness
Once the pasta’s softened, uncover and gently break up any clumps. Scatter in handfuls of baby spinach it wilts like magic from the warmth then fold in the artichoke hearts, shredded cheese, and pockets of creamy cheese. Stir until everything is one gloriously melty mixture.
- Add the Final Layer
Smooth the top, then sprinkle more cheese and breadcrumbs over it. This is the moment when comfort food starts looking golden and craveworthy. - Bake for Bubbles
Return to the oven, uncovered, until the topping becomes crisp and you spot bubbly, cheesy edges. If you love this kind of cozy pasta bake, you’ll also adore Cheesy Chicken Spinach Pasta. - Savor and Serve
When you lift that first creamy forkful, notice those melty pools and crisped breadcrumbs best enjoyed piping hot!
Tips for the Best Results
- Prevent a grainy sauce: Use room-temperature milk for smoother melting. Add cheeses gradually and stir while it melts don’t rush this step for that dreamy, velvety texture.
- Creamy vs. set texture: If you like ultra-creamy mac and cheese, pull it out of the oven as soon as the edges bubble and the top browns. For a firmer, sliceable bake, let it go a bit longer to set the sauce.
- Fresh vs. frozen spinach: Fresh baby spinach melts seamlessly into the hot noodles, staying vibrant and tender. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze it very dry to prevent watering down your sauce.
- Golden, crispy topping: For the best crunch, scatter breadcrumbs just before the final bake and let them toast until golden.
- Mix gently: When stirring in spinach and artichokes, fold gently to keep the pasta tender and the veggies intact every bite will feel like a cozy, flavor-packed hug.
Variations You Can Try
Add a protein punch: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken or crumbled Italian sausage after baking for a heartier main dish. Both options soak up that creamy cheese sauce, making each bite even cozier.
Go gluten-free or dairy-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs this recipe already works great with those! For a vegan twist, use plant-based cheeses and your favorite non-dairy milk. The results are still creamy and comforting.
Boost the veggie factor: Try folding in sautéed broccoli florets, sweet peas, or even roasted red peppers for extra color and texture. Kids might not even notice the veggie bonus under all that golden cheese.
Turn up the flavor: Stir in a handful of caramelized onions, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for gentle heat.
If you love creamy comfort, you’ll want to check out my Broccoli Cheese Soup for another veggie-packed classic!
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Let your spinach and artichoke mac and cheese cool to room temperature before covering and storing in an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for several days, staying creamy and flavorful.
- Freezer: For longer storage, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Tightly seal and freeze it’s perfect for future busy nights when you crave cozy comfort in minutes.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Give it a quick stir to redistribute melty cheese and keep everything luscious.
- Crisp Topping Tip: To restore that golden breadcrumb crunch, reheat portions uncovered in the oven for a few minutes until the top is bubbly and crisp again.
What to Eat It With
- Garlic Bread for Dunking: A crusty, golden garlic bread soaks up every melty pool of cheese satisfying, simple, and undeniably cozy.
- Crisp Green Salad: Serve alongside a tangy vinaigrette-tossed salad for freshness and crunch that balances all the creamy comfort.
- Simple Roasted Veggies: Caramelized carrots or roasted broccoli are easy winners, adding earthy sweetness and color to your table.
- Potluck-Ready Pairing: For a crowd, set your pasta bake next to bite-sized Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs for an irresistible, party-perfect combo.
- Family Night Feast: Turn it into a true celebration with lemonade, favorite pickles, or even crispy chicken tenders on the side.
- Festive Holiday Spread: This bake cozies right up next to classic sides think cranberry sauce, sautéed greens, or a big bowl of herby stuffing.
Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a 9×13 pan or a 3-quart baking dish, add pasta, milk, and sea salt and stir together.
- Evenly disperse the butter slices on top.
- Tightly cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven, remove the foil. Break up the pasta with a spoon if they are stuck together, then add baby spinach a handful at a time. Stir until wilted into the noodles.
- Add artichoke hearts, 3 cups of cheese, and cream cheese cubes, and stir until melted and combined.
- Flatten the top evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top and the breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until bubbly and browned on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I make spinach and artichoke mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese up to the final breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, add the topping and bake until creamy and golden. It’s such a relief to have a cozy, bubbling dish ready to pop in the oven on busy nights.
What cheese works best for spinach and artichoke mac and cheese?
Try using a blend of sharp cheddar and fontina for that dreamy melt and a hint of tang. You can also mix in mozzarella for those signature cheese pulls or swap with Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. Feel free to play there’s no wrong path to melty, cheesy goodness here!
How do I keep the sauce creamy instead of grainy?
For silkiness, always use room-temperature milk and add your cheese in small handfuls, stirring as you go. Avoid cranking the heat too high gentle, patient melting makes the sauce rich and velvety, just like homemade comfort food should be. Little things make a big difference!
Can I add other vegetables to this pasta bake?
Definitely! Sautéed broccoli, sweet peas, or roasted red peppers all tuck in beautifully with the spinach and artichoke, bringing pops of color and sweet-earthy flavor. It’s a fun way to use up extra veggies and sneak in a little more goodness your family might not even notice!
