17/05/2026
Super Green Mac and Cheese 🧀🥦
This is proper mac and cheese first, with a silky green veg sauce folded through so it feels fresh. Cheesy, creamy, and satisfying.
Calories: 640 | Protein: 41 g | Fibre: 7 g | Plant points: 6 (estimate)
INGREDIENTS (serves 4)
• 250 g spelt macaroni
• 1 broccoli
• 1 small leek, finely sliced
• 1/2 medium courgette, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 100 g frozen peas
• 80 g spinach
• 30 g butter
• 30 g plain flour
• 550 ml milk
• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 120 g mature cheddar, grated
• 40 g Parmesan, finely grated, plus extra to finish
• 250 g cooked shredded chicken
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• salt and black pepper
• small handful basil, torn, optional
METHOD
1. Cook spelt macaroni in well salted water until 2 minutes under, add broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes, then drain well.
2. Cook leek, courgette and chopped broccoli stalk with a pinch of salt for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and most moisture has cooked off, then add garlic 1 minute, add peas and spinach until wilted.
3. Blend the green veg with a small splash of milk until smooth, then make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk, simmer 2 to 3 minutes until thick, stir in Dijon and melt in cheddar and Parmesan.
4. Stir in the green blend and chicken, season well, add lemon juice to lift, then stir in pasta and broccoli, loosening with a splash of milk if needed, finish with extra Parmesan and basil if using.