Skinny Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Total Time
40 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Rating
5 out of 5 stars
(1)
Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 cups cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half, or more, as needed
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Within the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add cauliflower; drain well.
Step 3
Melt butter in a 9-inch oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half and half, and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream cheese, Dijon, and garlic powder until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 4
Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more half and half as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 5
Stir in pasta and cauliflower; gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
Step 6
Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with chives, if desired.
Step 8
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Chef's notes
You can adjust the consistency by adding more half and half as needed.
Garnish with fresh chives for added flavor.
