Samantha Nicole Indulge in a healthier version of your favorite comfort food with Better-For-You Mac ‘n Cheese! This creamy and cheesy dish is made with cauliflower florets, which adds a deliciously nutty flavor and provides a boost of fiber and healthy vitamins. The tender cauliflower is blended with rich sharp cheddar cheese and salty parmesan cheese to create a velvety sauce that coats every nook and cranny of the bouncy pasta. It’s also topped with savory panko breadcrumbs for a delicious and satisfying crunch. Better-For-You Mac ‘n Cheese is perfect for those looking for a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic dish without sacrificing taste!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more, to taste, divided
- 1 pound cavatappi or other short pasta
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups water
- 4 ounces extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with the extra oil.
Step 3 –In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions and then drain the pasta.
Step 4 –In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil.
Step 5 –Add the cauliflower, the garlic, the onion, the salt, and the pepper to the oil and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 6 –Add the water to the cauliflower mixture and simmer until the veggies are very soft, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 7 –Drain the cauliflower mixture, reserving 2 cups of the cooking liquid, and allow the cauliflower mixture to cool slightly.
Step 8 –In a blender, add the cauliflower mixture, the cheddar cheese, the parmesan cheese, the mustard powder, the cayenne pepper, and just enough of the reserved cooking liquid to get the mixture moving and purée until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 9 –In a large bowl combine the panko breadcrumbs, the parsley, the remaining oil, the salt, and the pepper.
Step 10 –Add the cheese sauce to the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
Step 11 –Transfer the mac ‘n cheese to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 12 –Bake the mac ‘n cheese until it is golden-brown, about 14-16 minutes.
Step 13 –Serve.
