Description
A creamy, indulgent mac and cheese that cooks in a single pot using a hidden cauliflower puree and starchy pasta water for a rich sauce without heavy creams. It is ready in under 30 minutes and offers a healthier twist on classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni
- 1 small head fresh cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1.5 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of paprika
Instructions
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt, cooking for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cauliflower florets to the pot and pour in the broth. Ensure liquid covers the cauliflower. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until cauliflower is very tender.
- Turn off the heat. Puree about half of the cauliflower directly in the pot using an immersion blender to create a creamy base, leaving the rest whole for texture.
- Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged. Add more broth or water if needed. Bring back to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with mustard powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if too thick. Serve immediately.
Notes
Grate your own cheese to prevent graininess. Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to avoid breaking the sauce. Reserve half the cauliflower for texture. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Gluten-free and dairy-free variations are available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
Keywords: one pot mac and cheese, healthy mac and cheese, cauliflower mac and cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, family friendly, gluten-free option, dairy-free option