Baked Mac & Cheese

Name: Baked Mac & Cheese
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs, (see Tip); 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 16-ounce or 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed; 1 3/4 cups low-fat milk, divided; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese; 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground pepper, to taste; 8 ounces (2 cups) whole-wheat elbow macaroni, or penne

12 ingredients

1 steps

Ingredients

3 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs, (see Tip)
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 16-ounce or 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed
1 3/4 cups low-fat milk, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 ounces (2 cups) whole-wheat elbow macaroni, or penne

Directions

1

{"0":"1","2":"Put a large pot of water on to boil. Preheat oven to 450\u00b0F. Coat an 8-inch-square (2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.","5":"2","7":"Mix breadcrumbs, oil and paprika in a small bowl. Place spinach in a fine-mesh strainer and press out excess moisture.","10":"3","12":"Heat 1 1\/2 cups milk in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming. Whisk remaining 1\/4 cup milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the hot milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce simmers and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar until melted. Stir in cottage cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper.","15":"4","17":"Cook pasta for 4 minutes, or until not quite tender. (It will continue to cook during baking.) Drain and add to the cheese sauce; mix well. Spread half the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach on top. Top with the remaining pasta; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.","20":"5","22":"Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes."}