This Skinny mac and cheese is a fun way to get your favorite comfort food and squeeze in some vegetables. It is super easy to make and is so cheesy, comforting and irresistible!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cavatappi pasta or any type that you like
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half, or more, as needed
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Within the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add cauliflower; drain well.
Melt butter in a 9-inch oven-proof skillet over medium high heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half and half, and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream cheese, Dijon and garlic powder until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more half and half as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Stir in pasta and cauliflower; gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with chives, if desired.
