Macaroni and Cheese with Chickpeas and Spinach Recipe

By
J. Kenji López-Alt
Kenji Lopez Alt
J. Kenji López-Alt
Culinary Consultant
Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated Aug. 30, 2018
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J. Kenji Lopez-Alt

Recipe Details

Macaroni and Cheese with Chickpeas and Spinach Recipe

Active 30 mins
Total 30 mins
Serves 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons oil

  • 4 cups roughly chopped spinach leaves (about 4 ounces)

  • 1 medium clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

  • 2 large eggs

  • Half pound dry elbow macaroni

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 ounces grated American cheese

  • 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese

  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1/2 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika

Directions

  1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add spinach and cook, stirring until wilted, about 30 seconds. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Fill pot with salted water and bring to a boil.

  2. Combine cornstarch, evaporated milk, and eggs in a small bowl and whisk until homogenous. Set aside.

  3. Cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions. 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. Transfer to a serving bowl, top with smoked paprika, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
784 Calories
48g Fat
52g Carbs
37g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 784
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 48g 62%
Saturated Fat 25g 127%
Cholesterol 222mg 74%
Sodium 1482mg 64%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 37g
Vitamin C 6mg 28%
Calcium 1127mg 87%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 798mg 17%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)