We love homemade mac and cheese in all its versions, from One-Pot Mac and Cheese to Cauliflower Mac and Cheese and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. And our new favorite? This Green Pasta Sauce, which is essentially a green mac and cheese! This recipe is easy in that we cook the veggies in the same water as the pasta, the sauce can be made separately and frozen for future meals if you prefer to meal prep, and it’s filling enough to work as a vegetarian main dish. I love my bowl topped with cracked black pepper and the kids just love it super cheesy. The flavor is mellow and comforting—and somehow has both cauliflower and spinach in the mix—and it comes together so fast. (You may also like Spinach Muffins, Spinach Eggs, and Spinach Grilled Cheese.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make this easy pasta recipe to share with the kids. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Cauliflower florets: You can chop cauliflower off of a full head, or start with a bag of cut florets. You can also use frozen cauliflower if that’s what you have on hand or what you prefer to buy. Baby spinach: Baby spinach adds iron, fiber, and the bright green color of the sauce. (It’s such a fun way to serve greens to kids!) Milk: I use whole milk in this recipe to ensure that the pasta sauce is thick and creamy. You can also use a plain, unsweetened nondairy milk if needed. Shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds flavor and creaminess to this cheese sauce. Butter: A little butter adds richness and flavor to the pasta sauce. Pasta: You can serve this pasta sauce with any pasta you prefer, though we love this most with short pasta shapes such as elbows or mini wagon wheels. Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, optional, to top each serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full amounts and timing.
How to Store
Store any leftover green pasta sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. When reheating, warm for 30-60 seconds in the microwave to serve. Or, prepare the sauce and freeze small portions in an ice cube tray. Once the cubes are frozen you can transfer them to a plastic or reusable storage bag for up to 6 months. Add a cube or two to a bowl of hot pasta or thaw overnight in the fridge and stir into warm noodles.
More Green Pasta Sauce Recipes
Another way to make green pasta sauce is to go with pesto. You can find easy recipes for:
Spinach Pesto Avocado Pesto Kale Pesto Broccoli Pesto
Best Tips for Success
You can make the cheese sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container. Warm for 15-30 seconds in the microwave before stirring into the pasta. Use whichever kind of pasta your family likes best. We usually use farfalle or wagon wheels, but you can also use linguine, spaghetti, tagliatelle, or another favorite pasta. Omit the garlic powder from the green sauce if you’re worried the kids may not like it. Top your serving with cracked black pepper, fresh basil or parsley, red pepper flakes, or a little fresh lemon zest. Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Dairy-free: Use nondairy vegan cheese and milk. Use cream instead of milk to make this even creamier. Try this as a fun Halloween pasta, too.
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