Derby Sage Mac and Cheese with Ham - PCOS-Friendly Recipe

Derby Sage Mac and Cheese with Ham
Servings: 6
Lunch

This Derby Sage Mac and Cheese with Ham is a PCOS-friendly recipe.

Nutrition per Serving

0 Calories
0g Protein
0g Carbs
0g Fat

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cavatappi hollow pasta curls or penne rigate or macaroni with lines
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 12 ounces crumbled Sage Derby (green-veined sage-scented Cheddar)
  • 12 ounces baked or boiled ham, 1/4-inch thick sliced, and chopped
  • One 10- to 12-ounce package frozen chopped organic spinach, defrosted and wrung dry
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the boiling water and cook the pasta just shy of al dente, 5 to 6 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, heat a deep skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Melt the butter and when it foams, add the garlic and shallots, then season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in the flour, whisk for 1 minute. Then whisk in the milk and thicken the sauce to coat the back of a spoon. Melt in the Sage Derby cheese, then add the ham. Separate the spinach as you stir it into sauce as well. Toss the pasta with the sauce, and pour into a casserole dish, top with the Parm. Cool and reserve for a make-ahead meal.
  3. To serve, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake from room temp until brown and bubbly, 35 to 45 minutes.

PCOS-Friendly Foods in This Recipe

This recipe contains the following foods that may benefit PCOS management: Spinach.

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, this Derby Sage Mac and Cheese with Ham recipe is designed to be PCOS-friendly., it supports balanced blood sugar and hormonal health.

Yes, this recipe works well as a PCOS-friendly Lunch. Pair it with other PCOS-friendly foods throughout the day for balanced nutrition.

This recipe can be part of a structured PCOS meal plan. It makes 6 servings, making it great for meal prep. For a complete weekly plan tailored to your PCOS type, take our free 60-second quiz at pcosmealplanner.com/pcos-quiz to get a personalized 7-day meal plan.

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