Skinny Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

SKINNY CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE

(recipe from damndelicious)

Yield: 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

·  3 cups cavatappi pasta (we used shell pasta)

·  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:

1.     Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2.     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.

3.     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.

4.     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.

5.     Stir in pasta and cauliflower; gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

6.     Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.

7.     Serve immediately, garnished with chives, if desired.