Holy macaroni, do we love this Creamy Spinach Mac and Cheese! Our recipe is an elevated take on the comfort food classic. The Cavatappi pasta, fresh baby spinach, rich Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Kefir, and tangy Lifeway Farmer Cheese give this dish a flavor that cannot be beaten while loading it with vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and probiotics. But don’t take our word for it. Make it and try it for yourself!
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 25 mins Servings: 4-6Ingredients
- 2 cups Cavatappi Pasta
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 3 tbsp. Farmer Cheese
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 handful chopped baby spinach
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil, add pasta, and cook as directed.
- In a food processor, add melted butter, kefir, farmer cheese, garlic powder, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth
- Once the pasta is drained, add back into pot, top with farmer cheese, kefir mixture, and add in baby spinach, the rest of Parmesan, and salt/pepper.
- Serve warm!
