Creamy Greek Yogurt Mac & Cheese Recipe

• 8 oz. (about 2 cups) elbow pasta (I used whole wheat)
• 8 oz. (about 2 cups) shredded cheese (a sharp cheddar is great)
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt (I love Chobani)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp. onion powder
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Cook the macaroni according to the package’s instructions (about 8-10 minutes), until al dente.

Place the spinach leaves in the bottom of a strainer, and pour the pasta over top to drain and wilt the spinach. Save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Return the cooked macaroni and wilted spinach to the pot.

Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pot, and stir in the cheese until melted. Stir in the greek yogurt, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, until smooth and creamy. Stir in the remaining pasta water to thin, if necessary. Serve immediately

Long Horn Steakhouse Copycat Mac & Cheese Recipe

Long Horn Steakhouse Copycat Mac & Cheese Recipe

1 pound penne rigate
4 cups half and half
4 tablespoon (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika, plus more for garnishing
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
16 ounces sharp white Cheddar cheese, grated
6 ounces Fontina cheese, grated
2 ounces Parmesan-Reggiano cheese, grated


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook at a rolling boil until just tender. Drain, rinse under cold water, drain again and set aside in a large bowl.

Bring the half and half just to a boil in a heavy saucepan and set aside. Meanwhile, melt the butter in another heavy saucepan. Add the flour, and whisk over low heat for 5 minutes. Do not brown. Remove from the heat. Add the hot liquid to the flour mixture, and whisk well. Add the paprika, season with the salt and pepper, and return the pan to a low heat. Add half of all of the cheeses and stir until combined. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens; about 5 minutes. Add sauce to the pasta. Toss well to coat completely.

Coat a large baking dish/casserole with olive oil, and fill it with half of the sauced pasta. Distribute half of the remaining cheese evenly over the pasta. Repeat layering. Place the dish on a baking sheet, and bake in a preheated oven until hot, lightly browned and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.