Description
Enjoy a creamy, comforting bowl of One-Pot Cauliflower Mac & Cheese. This recipe offers the classic taste you love with a hidden vegetable boost, making it a guilt-free comfort food favorite ready in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Place cauliflower florets and vegetable broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is very tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Carefully transfer about half of the cooked cauliflower and 1 cup of the cooking liquid to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Return the puree to the pot.
- Add the uncooked macaroni to the pot with the cauliflower puree and remaining broth. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and cook according to package directions until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, creating a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the milk mixture, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use pre-cut cauliflower florets to save prep time.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of regular milk.
- Stir frequently while the macaroni cooks to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg