Spinach and Greek Yogurt Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• cooking spray
• 1 (16 ounce) package dried elbow macaroni
• 4 thin slices prosciutto, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups fat-free plain Greek yogurt
• ½ (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, cut into small pieces
• 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
• 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Give a 9x13-inch dish a quick spray with cooking spray. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the elbow macaroni until it’s tender but still has a little bite, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, saving about 2 1/2 cups of the cooking water, then put the macaroni back in the pot.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, spread the prosciutto on the foil-lined baking sheet and pop it on the top rack of the oven. Let it crisp up for 6 to 8 minutes—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Once crispy, chop it roughly, then turn the oven down to 350°F and move the rack to the middle position.

Step 3

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute, then add garlic powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Give it another minute to cook before whisking in the Greek yogurt until it’s warm and bubbling. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of the reserved pasta water and cook for a couple of minutes to thicken things up. Add the cream cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly. Then mix in the Gruyere and Cheddar a little at a time, stirring until the sauce is thick and cheesy. Use the rest of the pasta water as needed to get the sauce just how you like it.

Step 4

Stir the spinach into the cooked macaroni, then pour in the cheese sauce and mix everything together until the pasta is well coated. Transfer it all to your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the crispy prosciutto on top.

Step 5

Bake in the oven until the edges are bubbling and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in!