Baked Pasta with Cauliflower and Cheese Recipe

Name: Baked Pasta with Cauliflower and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup unbleached white flour; 1 quart milk, heated; 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; Pinch of nutmeg, preferably freshly grated; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 4 cups chopped onions; 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (2 teaspoons dried); 1 large head of cauliflower, cut in florets; 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped or 3 cups canned tomatoes, drained and chopped; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 pound medium pasta shells; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 1/2 ounces); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or mild provolone cheese (6 ounces); Seasoned bread crumbs

Servings: persons

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup unbleached white flour
1 quart milk, heated
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Pinch of nutmeg, preferably freshly grated
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup vegetable oil
4 cups chopped onions
3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (2 teaspoons dried)
1 large head of cauliflower, cut in florets
6 ripe tomatoes, chopped or 3 cups canned tomatoes, drained and chopped
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 pound medium pasta shells
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 1/2 ounces)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or mild provolone cheese (6 ounces)
Seasoned bread crumbs

1
To prepare the Bechamel sauce, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan on medium heat.
2
Sprinkle in the flour, whisking or stirring constantly, until a smooth pasteis formed.
3
Add the heated milk slowly, a cup at a time, continuing to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken.
4
Add the mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper and let the sauce thicken further on low heat.
5
Remove from heat and cover.
6
Saute the onions, garlic, and basil in oil.
7
When the onions are translucent, add the cauliflower and saute for 5 minutes or more.
8
Add the tomatoes and simmer until the cauliflower is tender.
9
Cook the pasta al dente and then drain.
10
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the Sauteed vegetables, and the lemon juice.
11
Mix in the Bechamel sauce.
12
Put half of the pasta mixture in an oiled baking dish.
13
Sprinkle on half of each of the cheeses.
14
Add the rest of the pasta mixture and then the rest of the cheese.
15
Top with seasoned bread crumbs and bake covered at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes and then uncovered for about 15 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top

1308

kcal

Calories

Fat

156

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup unbleached white flour, 1 quart milk, heated, 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and more.

Yes, Baked Pasta with Cauliflower and Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Baked Pasta with Cauliflower and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions