Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese

​What are the foods that remind you of certain people in your life?  For me, I can't make homemade ravioli without picturing my grandma rolling out ultra thin dough at her kitchen table.  And making biscotti will always remind me of my mom and dad - not because they make a lot of it - just because they love it more than anyone else.  😅 

From the moment that I heard the words Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese, I couldn't stop thinking about my daughter in law.  To know her is to love her.  She is such a kind soul and quite possibly the biggest cheese lover I know.  🧀 ​

Every time I make a cheesy dish - I can't help wonder if it would meet her approval. 😅 She has high standards for cheese. 🧀 This girl loves spinach dip and she loves macaroni and cheese so I have a feeling that she should approve of this three cheese appetizer and pasta fusion dish.  

Just imagine the best spinach and artichoke dip that you've ever tasted, combined with the creamiest, cheesiest pasta thats ever touched your lips and you've got this beautiful main course Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese.  This one pot dish is easy to make - it comes together quickly and - its delicious.  ​

Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
5 ounces baby spinach, chopped
1 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups water
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup White American cheese, shredded (4 ounce block from deli counter)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan , shredded

Heat oil in saucepan.  Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Add spinach and cook until wilted.  Transfer to a bowl.

Bring water and milk to a boil in saucepan.  

Stir in macaroni and salt and cook 6-8 minutes.

Add artichokes, American cheese and pepper.  Cook until melted.

Remove from heat.  Stir in cheddar and Parmesan.  Cover & let stand 5 minutes.

Add spinach and stir until sauce is smooth.  Season with salt and pepper.

The saddest part of this story is that I have yet to make this yummy dish for my sweet, cheese loving, daughter in law.  We live 700 miles apart so running dinner over to her house is out of the question.  But I promise to make it the next time that you come to visit @aint_no_holly_back_girl.   😉

Ciao!

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