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One-Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Made in 30 minutes with tender cauliflower florets and pasta smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, it's a wholesome, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 474kcal
Author Erin Henry

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pound short-cut pasta I like elbow macaroni
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup half and half or whole milk
  • 3 ounces cream cheese cubed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • cayenne pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Boil Pasta and Cauliflower: Bring 4 cups of water and 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the pasta and chopped cauliflower to the boiling water and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Note: It may not look like there is enough water, but there is.
  • Add More Liquid and Seasonings: Leave the water and add the half-and-half or milk, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Cook until the pasta is al dente (slightly firm) and the cream cheese is melted, about another 4-5 minutes.
  • Add Cheese and Butter: Stir in the grated cheeses and butter with a wooden spoon until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne is using. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Prep the Cauliflower: Make sure that the cauliflower is chopped into evenly sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
  • Don't Overcook the Cauliflower: Be careful to avoid overcooking the cauliflower. It should be tender but not mushy. Overcooked cauliflower can make the dish watery.
  • Pasta: Regular or whole wheat pasta is great in the recipe.
Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 396mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 624IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 440mg | Iron: 1mg