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Skinny Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
5 from 3 votes

Skinny Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Less fat AND less calories. Except taste and flavor is not compromised AT ALL! So cheesy, comforting and irresistible!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cavatappi pasta
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 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 cheddar cheese shredded sharp
  • salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
  • black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons chives chopped fresh

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  5. Stir in pasta and cauliflower; gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
  6. Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with chives, if desired.