3 Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese is a dish that takes moments of prep work but delivers flavor and uniqueness.
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Finding minimal ingredient recipes is sometimes a challenge but I have to admit this baked spinach mac and cheese works out pretty well.
While I enjoy my spinach artichoke mac and cheese with a sprinkling of salt at the end, my kids enjoy it as-is. Yes, even the picky kids are enjoying the veggie macaroni and cheese. Win-win.
I like meals that don't require much effort or prep work, which is probably why I keep making this tasty 3 ingredient macaroni and cheese recipe. While it's not the traditional orange cheddar we expect, the flavors are good and the comfort meal feeling is still abundant.
For more mac and cheese recipes, check out my 5 Ingredient Mac and Cheese, Taco Mac and Cheese (with Rotel), and Mac and Cheese Quesadilla.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's easy. With just three ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is approachable for anyone. Minimal ingredient recipes like this, along with our 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Pork Chops, 3 Ingredient Oreo Fudge, and 3 Ingredient Watermelon Milkshake, are big on convenience and flavor.
- Hidden veggies. This recipe is a fun way to get in some extra veggies. Note that we also hide veggies in our Ragu Spaghetti Sauce Recipe.
- It looks fancy. This dish is great for bringing out and showing off to others when you want to look like an expert in the kitchen.
🛒 Ingredients
Spinach dip- You can use any spinach dip, but my favorite one to use is the Marketside Premium Heatable Spinach Artichoke Dip from Walmart.
Mozzarella cheese- Using a melting white cheese will help to make the colors in this dish stand out and shine.
Elbow noodles- You can use any noodle choice of preference, but elbow noodles are known for being used in mac and cheese recipes.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use store brands. Generic elbow noodles and shredded mozzarella cost noticeably less than name brands and melt just as well.
Watch for dip sales. Spinach artichoke dip often goes on rollback, grab an extra and freeze it for future meals.
Swap noodle shapes. Penne, rotini, or shells work great if they're cheaper or already in your pantry.
Turn leftovers into another meal. Spoon reheated mac and cheese into tortillas for quick wraps or serve alongside steamed veggies to make it feel new again. Or turn into Mac and Cheese Quesadillas.
🥄 Instructions for Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Step 2: Cook your elbow noodles in a large pot according to package directions until al dente.
Step 3: Drain the noodles and then return to pot. Turn off heat. Stir in the cheese and spinach dip until well mixed.
Step 3: Place the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
Optionally, broil on high for 1-2 minutes for a golden crisp top.
Serve with a sprinkling of salt added to taste.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Choose the right dip. We tested this spinach and artichoke mac and cheese with several noodle types and dip brands. Dips with water chestnuts add a light crunch that may not be preferred.
- Adjust for moisture. Different pastas absorb liquid at different rates, which can lead to dryness. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water when mixing in the dip and cheese to keep the mac and cheese creamy.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Microwave portions, stirring halfway and adding a splash of milk or water. For larger amounts, reheat covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Make Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Let sit 15 minutes at room temp, then bake, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
A simple green salad balances the richness of the mac and cheese. Garlic bread or toast makes an easy, budget-friendly side. Steamed broccoli or green beans add vegetables without extra cost. Fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes keeps the meal light and kid-friendly.
- Instant Pot AsparagusRecipe $4.57 / Serving $1.15
- Instant Pot Green BeansRecipe $0.99 / Serving $0.25
- Roasted Frozen CauliflowerRecipe $1.43 / Serving $0.36
- Instant Pot Steamed BroccoliRecipe $1.55 / Serving $0.39
❓ Recipe FAQs
Yes, using store-bought dip, cheese, and cooked noodles is all you need for a spinach dip mac and cheese recipe made simple at home. You could however add in more ingredients such as milk, water, other cheese varieties, salt, etc. But this recipe is a great one as-is and a good base to build up from if you wanted to get creative.
Common cheese choices include cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan. The combination can vary based on personal preference.
If you want to add in some more flavor, feel free to do so. Some common seasonings include garlic, onion powder, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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- Southern Baked SpaghettiRecipe $6.70 / Serving $0.55
🐝 If you tried this 3 Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 box (16 ounces) elbow noodles - ($0.98)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded - ($2.00)
- 1 container (16 ounces) spinach artichoke dip - ($5.84)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Turn off the heat.
- Mix the sauce. Stir the shredded mozzarella cheese and spinach artichoke dip into the hot pasta until evenly combined.
- Bake. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, until heated through.
- Optional broil. Broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes for a golden, lightly crisp top if desired.
- Serve. Season with salt to taste and serve warm.
Notes
- Pasta choice. Different pasta shapes absorb sauce differently, which can affect texture.
- Creaminess tip. If the mac and cheese seems dry, stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water before baking.
- Customizations. Add cooked chicken, bacon, or extra cheese if desired.
- Dip recommendation. Marketside Spinach and Artichoke Dip works well, but any favorite spinach artichoke dip can be used.
Nutritional Information
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