Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta

Cauliflower was on sale this week, I have Pasta, Cheese & Milk so to me it was a natural move to make a Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta Recipe! It is a simple mid week meal that gives you a great way to get in some veggies and dairy and will last you for a few lunches throughout the work week. The words out of my mouth after the first few bites "How can you not love cheesy pasta goodness!?" The cheese sauce is very rich and savory while the cauliflower provides a different texture from the pasta and a little bit of sweetness to offset the bite from the cayenne pepper.

Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta: Serves 4

1 Head of Roasted Cauliflower
8oz Pasta
1/4C Shredded Parmesan Cheese
4oz Shredded Italian Cheese (mix cheddar/mozzarella)
2C Milk
4tsp Butter
2TB Flour
1/2C Onions Diced
Pinch - 1/4tsp Cayenne Pepper
Salt & Pepper

Chop Cauliflower into small bite size pieces and roast. To see how to Roast Cauliflower click here. Once the cauliflower is roasted remove it from the oven and set to the side.

While the cauliflower is roasting bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta to Al Dente. I am using Rotini, but you can use any shape of pasta you would like. Drain pasta once it is cooked.

While the pasta is cooking melt 1tsp of butter over medium low heat in a medium sauce pot. Once the butter is melted add in the onions and cook for a few minutes until they are translucent. Add remaining butter and then whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or two being careful not to burn it. Add the milk, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and whisk/stir to incorporate flour, turn heat up to medium/medium high. Continue to whisk while the milk thickens. Once the mix has turned into a thickened gravy consistency remove it from the heat and add the cheese and stir until melted.

Now that all the parts are cooked add the cauliflower and cheese sauce to the pasta and stir to incorporate. Let it sit for a minute or two then toss one more time and serve.

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WW: 13 Points Plus / serving