Pasta with cauliflower and cheese

Pasta with cauliflower and cheeses – a healthy, hearty, and easy-to-cook recipe

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today I will present to you a recipe for pasta with cauliflower and cheeses that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of health to your plate. It is an ideal recipe for days when you want a quick yet nutritious lunch or dinner. Preparing this recipe doesn't take long, and the result is simply delicious!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Reasons to try this recipe

1. Healthy and nutritious: Cauliflower is a vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to a strong immune system and healthy digestion.
2. Quick and simple: This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
3. Versatility: You can adapt the ingredients according to personal preferences or what you have on hand in the fridge.

Necessary ingredients

- 1 cauliflower (approximately 500 g)
- 400 g pasta (choose your favorite type: penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 150 g cheese, diced
- 100 g Parmesan, grated
- 100 g Camembert cheese, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or mascarpone
- A bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step by step in preparing the recipe

1. Preparing the cauliflower: Start by washing the cauliflower well under running water. After cleaning it, cut it into small florets to cook evenly.

2. Boiling the pasta and cauliflower: Take a large pot and fill it with water. Add a teaspoon of salt and put it on high heat. When the water starts to boil, add the pasta and cauliflower florets. Follow the cooking time indicated on the pasta package, usually between 8 and 12 minutes.

3. Preparing the cheese sauce: While the pasta and cauliflower are boiling, take a large skillet and place it over low heat. Add the cheese, Parmesan, Camembert, and cream. Stir constantly until all the cheeses melt and combine. Finally, add the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want a creamier consistency, reserve 50 ml of the pasta water and add it to the sauce.

4. Mixing the ingredients: When the pasta and cauliflower are ready, drain them well and add them to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Carefully mix everything to ensure each piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.

5. Serving: Serve the pasta with cauliflower and cheeses immediately, alongside a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of this dish. You can sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top for added flavor.

Variation suggestions

- Adding protein: If you want to make this dish even heartier, you can add grilled chicken breast diced or some slices of ham.
- Additional vegetables: Experiment with other vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach, to add more vitamins and minerals.
- Alternative cheeses: Instead of Camembert, you can use goat cheese or mozzarella for a different taste.

Nutritional information

This pasta recipe with cauliflower and cheeses offers a good balance between carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, being rich in vitamins and minerals thanks to the cauliflower and cheeses. It is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a tasty dish without compromising on health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Of course! Whole grain pasta is an excellent option to add extra fiber to your diet.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce in advance and combine it with the pasta and cauliflower on the day of serving.

3. What wine pairs best with this recipe?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the cheeses.

So, I invite you to try this pasta recipe with cauliflower and cheeses. It is a delicious and healthy choice, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!