Easy Lentil Mac and Cheese

We might be dietitians, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t love the convenience of boxed mac and cheese!

This one takes your favorite box and cheese and adds in protein and fiber-rich lentils alongside fresh spinach for a healthier spin on mac and cheese.

If you can’t find canned lentils (Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods sell them!), then you can sub in black beans or chickpeas.

Any mac and cheese will work for this recipe; you can use regular or vegan!

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Easy Lentil Mac and Cheese

The easiest weeknight mac and cheese recipe! Take a box of your favorite mac and cheese, add in canned lentils and spinach and dinner is ready!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:5 minutes minutes

Cook Time:15 minutes minutes

Servings:3 servings

Ingredients

• 1 box your favorite Mac and Cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon non-dairy butter
• 1/4-1/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice or more, depending on your box recommendations
• 2 large handfuls baby spinach leaves

Instructions

• Prepare the mac and cheese according to package directions
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, then add the drained and rinsed can of lentils. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lentils are warm and tomato paste is cooked in.
• Add in the cheese pack, butter and milk and stir to create the sauce. Add the cooked noodles and fresh spinach leaves and stir until combined and spinach leaves are wilted.