Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese

Name: Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 med. head cauliflower, core discarded, florets cut into 2-in pieces; 4 medium carrots, thinly sliced; 1 c. unsalted vegetable broth; 1/4 c. reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel); 1 tsp. Dijon mustard; 1 pinch cayenne (ground red) pepper; 3/4 c. shredded Gruyère cheese; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. pepper; 12 oz. elbow macaroni; 8 oz. small broccoli florets; 2 medium plum tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped; 1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Published: Jul 31, 2012

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KATE MATHIS

Yields:

6 serving(s)

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 15 mins

Cal/Serv:

345

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This baked mac n' cheese hides cauliflower and carrots in the cheese sauce, making it a perfect meal for picky kids.

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Ingredients

1
med. head cauliflower, core discarded, florets cut into 2-in pieces
4
medium carrots, thinly sliced
1 cup
unsalted vegetable broth
1/4 cup
reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel)
1 tsp.
Dijon mustard
1
pinch cayenne (ground red) pepper
3/4 cup
shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 tsp.
salt
1/2 tsp.
pepper
12 oz.
elbow macaroni
8 oz.
small broccoli florets
2
medium plum tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat 8-quart sauce pot of salted water to boiling on high.
2. Step 2Add cauliflower and carrots to boiling water. Cook 15 minutes or until very tender.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, in blender, combine broth, cream cheese, mustard, cayenne, Gruyère, salt, and black pepper. With slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to blender. Purée until very smooth.
4. Step 4Add pasta to same sauce pot of boiling water. Cook half the time that label directs; adding broccoli during last minute of cooking. Drain; return to pot. Stir in cauliflower sauce and half of tomatoes. Spread in 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses and tomatoes.
5. Step 5Bake 35 minutes or until golden brown on top and heated through.