Jul 14 2026

Popeye Mac Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Make Popeye Mac Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Spinach Topping

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp of salt and then add 2 cups of macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes.

  2. 2

    Drain the Pasta

    Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.

Making Cheese Sauce

  1. 3

    Create Roux

    In the same pot, melt 2 tbs of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tbs of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.

  2. 4

    Add Milk

    Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

  3. 5

    Add Cheese

    Reduce heat to low, then add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

  4. 6

    Season the Sauce

    Stir in 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and 1 tsp of black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Preparing Spinach Topping

  1. 7

    Sauté Spinach

    In a large skillet, heat 1 tbs of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  2. 8

    Add Spinach

    Add 3 cups of fresh spinach and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes. Cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Combining and Serving

  1. 9

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    In the pot with the cheese sauce, add the drained macaroni. Stir well to ensure all pasta is coated with the cheese sauce.

  2. 10

    Top with Spinach

    Serve the creamy macaroni topped with the sautéed spinach mixture.

  3. 11

    Enjoy!

    Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Popeye Mac!

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