Glorious Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Name: Glorious Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 2 cups macaroni; 1/2 teaspoon olive oil; 8 to 12 ounces cheese, such as Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, sliced or grated; 3 to 5 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, or 1/2 teaspoon dried; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips; 1/2 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 2 cups); 2 handfuls fresh spinach, shredded (about 2 loosely packed cups); 2 or 3 plum tomatoes, chopped, or one 14-ounce can, drained, liquid reserved, optional

Servings: persons

Olive oil spray
2 cups macaroni
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
8 to 12 ounces cheese, such as Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, sliced or grated
3 to 5 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 yellow bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into thin strips
1/2 head broccoli, cut into florets (about 2 cups)
2 handfuls fresh spinach, shredded (about 2 loosely packed cups)
2 or 3 plum tomatoes, chopped, or one 14-ounce can, drained, liquid reserved, optional

1
Preheat the oven to 450F.
2
Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil, taking care to fully coat all interior surfaces.
3
Pour the pasta into the pot.
4
Combine 2/3 cup water and the olive oil in a measuring cup.
5
(If using canned tomatoes, drain and use the liquid to replace the water.)
6
Stir and pour over the pasta.
7
Mix gently to coat all the noodles and spread them evenly in the pot.
8
Layer about half the cheese over the pasta.
9
Sprinkle with half the garlic and half the oregano and lightly season with salt and pepper.
10
Add the bell pepper and broccoli in even layers and cover with the remaining cheese.
11
Sprinkle with the remaining garlic and oregano and season lightly with salt and pepper.
12
Top with the spinach and, if you choose, tomatoes.
13
Cover and bake for 30 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven.
14
Serve immediately.
15
Calories: 535
16
Protein: 24g
17
Carbohydrates: 60g
18
Fat: 23g
19
Cholesterol: 60mg
20
Sodium: 438mg
21
Fiber: 6g

746

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Olive oil spray, 2 cups macaroni, 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 8 to 12 ounces cheese, such as Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, sliced or grated, and more.

Yes, Glorious Macaroni and Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Glorious Macaroni and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions