Get ready for a mouthwatering homemade roasted cauliflower cheese pasta. A combination of the earthy goodness of roasted cauliflower with the comforting creaminess of cheese sauce. This delightful recipe combines flavours of roasted cauliflower, rich cheese and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying and flavourful meal. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.
While this dish may have its roots in Italy, the combination of roast cauliflower and cheese takes inspiration from various culinary traditions. Roasting cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious caramelised flavour. The addition of Parmesan and cheddar cheese creates a luscious and creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Beyond its incredible taste, homemade roasted cauliflower cheese pasta also offers health benefits. Cauliflower is a nutritious cruciferous vegetable that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is low in calories and high in fibre, making it a great choice for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Additionally, cheese provides a good source of protein, calcium, and essential nutrients, adding to the overall nutritional value of the dish.
When you take a forkful of homemade roasted cauliflower cheese pasta, you’ll experience a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The roasted cauliflower lends a slight nuttiness and sweetness, while the cheese sauce brings richness and creaminess. The perfectly cooked pasta adds a comforting bite, making every mouthful a delightful experience.
This dish is a versatile option that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a delicious side dish. It is perfect for cosy evenings, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want a comforting treat.
So, gather your ingredients, roast that cauliflower to perfection, and indulge in the creamy goodness of homemade roasted cauliflower cheese pasta. With its blend of flavours, nutritional benefits, and comforting appeal, this dish is sure to become a favourite on your dining table.
Equipment: You’ll just need basic kitchen equipment like a set of Electronic scales, a large, lidded and heavy bottomed Stock pot and a Stick blender
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Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Recipe
Roast Cauliflower Cheese Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 450 grams Pasta (I use penne or cannaloni)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large head Cauliflower
- 1 head Garlic
- 35 grams Butter
- 35 grams Flour
- 500 ml Milk
- 150 grams Parmesan
- 200 grams Mature cheddar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard (Or 1½ tsp English mustard or ½ tsp mustard powder)
Instructions
Prep
- Pre heat oven to 220℃ (420℉)
- Grate cheese
- Chop cauliflower into florets
- Cut the top off the head of garlic like you're removing the top off a boiled egg
- Weigh/ measure your ingredients
To Make
- Place your florets in a bowl, add 2-3 tbsp of olive oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well, place on an oven tray with the head of garlic and cook for 25-30 minutes. Remove two thirds of the cauliflower to a warmed plate and cook the remaining florets and the garlic for another 10 minutes until browned
- Cook the pasta according to packet instructions
- In a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the butter. Reduce the heat to medium low. As the butter begins to melt add the flour and mix well for a couple of minutes stirring with a wooden spoon. Begin adding the milk a little at a time (approx 100ml each time), stirring well as you do. When your mixture becomes smooth and well combined, continue adding the milk a little at a time and move to using a whisk
- When the roux and milk are well mixed add both cheeses in handfuls, stirring well as you go
- Once the cheese is melted and the sauce thickened, add the mustard and mix well. Squeeze out the softened garlic and add this too
- Add the cauliflower that you took out of the oven first and mix into the sauce. Take the stick blender and blend until the cauliflower and sauce are smooth
- Add the cooked pasta and the remaining cauliflower. Mix and cook until the cauliflower is warmed through. Add a little pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce if needed
To Serve
- Serve with a garnish of chopped parsley or perhaps a bowl of grated cheese to share. Alternatively, elevate the dish by trying a Pasta Topper of your choice. Visit the Recipe Index for 5 different topper choices