Easy Cauliflower Cheese Sauce for Skinny Mac n' Cheese
User Reviews
4.8
Easy Cauliflower Cheese Sauce for Skinny Mac n' Cheese
Description
The method cooks cauliflower florets until fork tender by microwaving them covered in chicken stock, which softens the vegetable while infusing subtle broth flavor. The cauliflower and cooking liquid are pureed until completely smooth to form the base of the cheese sauce.
This puree is gently heated on the stovetop, where sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses are stirred in carefully to melt and create a cohesive, creamy sauce. The grated cheeses lend a sharp, savory flavor that binds smoothly with the mild cauliflower base.
The al dente cooked pasta is folded into the warm cheese sauce, coating every piece evenly. Salt and black pepper are added to taste to enhance overall flavor. This sauce offers a way to incorporate vegetables into a cheese sauce with the familiar texture and comfort of macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 small head cauliflower
- 1 cup chicken stock or vegetable broth
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated sharp
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Pour in pasta and cook until al dente.
- While pasta is cooking, cut cauliflower up into large florets and place into shallow dish. Pour chicken stock over cauliflower, cover with plastic wrap, cut slit in the top and microwave 7-9 minutes or until cauliflower is fork tender.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
- Pour cauliflower and cooking stock into high powdered blender and puree completely until smooth. Pour puree into warm pot and place over medium low heat. Sprinkle in cheese and stir to melt gently to create a sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in pasta and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 487 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 487kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 59g | 20% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 48mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 428mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 311mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 450IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 8.6mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 384mg | 38% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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