Smoked Gouda Macaroni & Cheese with Spinach

Ingredients

1 (1-ounce) slice whole wheat bread
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions (or white onion)
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder (any kind
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 cup (5 ounces) shredded smoked Gouda cheese
1 package frozen spinach, defrosted and drained
4 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 2 cups uncooked)
Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Place bread in a food processor, and pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs measure 1/2 cup.

3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook 1 minute. Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

4. Gradually add milk, salt, and pepper, stirring constantly with a whisk until blended. Bring to a boil; cook until thick (about 2 minutes).

5. Add cheese, chile powder, paprika and stir until melted. Add spinach and macaroni to cheese sauce, stirring until well blended.



6. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

7. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until bubbly.