Macaroni and Cheese with Chickpeas and Spinach

Vegetarian
Health score
41%
Macaroni and Cheese with Chickpeas and Spinach
30 min.
4
1102kcal

Suggestions


Welcome to a heartwarming and deliciously satisfying dish that brings comfort to the table—Macaroni and Cheese with Chickpeas and Spinach! This vegetarian delight is perfect for those seeking a creamy and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, as a main course, or even as a hearty side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy weekdays or casual gatherings.

Imagine a bowl of perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, melty cheese sauce, complemented by the earthy flavors of chickpeas and the vibrant freshness of spinach. Not only does this dish offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes, but it also packs a nutritional punch with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, along with the vitamins found in leafy spinach.

The inclusion of American and cheddar cheeses creates a luscious, comforting sauce that’s simply irresistible. Enhanced with a touch of smoked paprika and a hint of garlic, this macaroni and cheese variant elevates the classic recipe to new heights, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this creamy, cheesy goodness that’s not just a meal, but an experience you will want to share again and again!

Ingredients

  • ounces processed cheese food grated
  • 15 ounce garbanzo beans drained and rinsed canned
  • ounces cheddar cheese grated
  • teaspoons cornstarch 
  •  eggs 
  • pound elbow macaroni dry
  • 12 ounce evaporated milk canned
  • teaspoon garlic minced
  • servings pepper black freshly ground
  • teaspoons cooking oil 
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika smoked spanish
  • ounces pkt spinach roughly chopped
  • tablespoons butter unsalted

Equipment

  • bowl
  • sauce pan
  • whisk
  • pot

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add spinach and cook, stirring until wilted, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Fill pot with salted water and bring to a boil.
  5. Combine cornstarch, evaporated milk, and eggs in a small bowl and whisk until homogenous. Set aside.
  6. Cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions.
  7. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water. Return to stock pot and add cooking water, butter, evaporated milk mixture, both cheeses, spinach, and chickpeas. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and pasta is creamy and smooth.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with smoked paprika, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories1102kcal
Protein17.38%
Fat41.82%
Carbs40.8%

Properties

Glycemic Index
50.83
Glycemic Load
4.77
Inflammation Score
-10
Nutrition Score
44.098260962445%

Flavonoids

Luteolin
0.21mg
Kaempferol
1.81mg
Myricetin
0.11mg
Quercetin
1.14mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:1102.41kcal
55.12%
Fat:51.26g
78.87%
Saturated Fat:26.7g
166.85%
Carbohydrates:112.54g
37.51%
Net Carbohydrates:103.47g
37.63%
Sugar:12.64g
14.04%
Cholesterol:214.13mg
71.38%
Sodium:1292.23mg
56.18%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:47.93g
95.86%
Selenium:104.82µg
149.74%
Vitamin K:142.25µg
135.48%
Manganese:2.22mg
111.13%
Calcium:1025.41mg
102.54%
Phosphorus:975.61mg
97.56%
Vitamin A:4218.52IU
84.37%
Vitamin B2:0.83mg
48.88%
Vitamin B6:0.87mg
43.44%
Zinc:6.24mg
41.59%
Magnesium:157.98mg
39.49%
Fiber:9.07g
36.27%
Folate:133.78µg
33.45%
Copper:0.6mg
29.8%
Potassium:945.88mg
27.03%
Iron:4.45mg
24.71%
Vitamin B12:1.38µg
22.93%
Vitamin B5:2.08mg
20.77%
Vitamin E:2.39mg
15.92%
Vitamin B1:0.23mg
15.37%
Vitamin B3:2.54mg
12.7%
Vitamin C:9.92mg
12.03%
Vitamin D:1.19µg
7.95%