Creamy and delicious Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower easily made in under 30 minutes for the perfect comfort food meal your whole family will love!
Take my word for it.
Lightened-Up Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 1 (14.5 oz) box Ronzoni Smart Taste elbow macaroni
- 1/2 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
- 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 4 Tbsp reduced-fat grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz. grated sharp cheddar
- 4 oz. fat-free cream cheese
- 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add macaroni and cauliflower. Reserve a 1/2 cup of the water then drain macaroni and cauliflower.
- In a separate bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan cheese and the chopped parsley together and set aside.
- Place cheddar, cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, half-and-half, salt and pepper in the already heated pot you just used and mix in the macaroni and cauliflower. Stir until well-combined and cheese is completely melted. Add reserved water.
- Place in 8 greased ramekins (or a 9×13 baking dish) and top with bread crumb mixture. Bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until bubbling and the crumbs are browned. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is there any way to easily convert this to only 2 servings? It is just my husband and and I would never need to make 8 servings. Any suggestions?
Is there anyway to easily convert this to only 2 sevings? It is just my husband and I…I don’t need 8 servings. Any suggestions?
How big were your portion controlled ramekins?
I just pulled this out of the oven and I can’t stop nibbling! I added the other half head of cauliflower plus a bunch of copped asparagus, which essentially doubled the recipe so I doubled the sauce. I baked it all in a casserole dish and my husband and I will have lunches for a week! This is a great recipe, almost as good as your amazing lettuce wraps!
This looks pretty good, but if your looking to get fit try this http://behealthy247.wordpress.com/advocare-24-day-challenge/
Mac and Cheese like almost everyone else is one of my favorites! I will have to try making your recipe soon! Looks great!
What a great way to lighten up a classic! I’ll bet the cauliflower is hardly noticable in the end, too. I’ll have to try this out – thans for sharing the recipe! 😀
You are killing me Kelly!! What a great way to incorporate a wonderful comfort food with skinny options! Love it!
P.s. can’t wait to see your pizza!! xx
Love it! Sounds like a great way to get this dish a bit figure friendlier 🙂
I make a version of this too and I adore it. I love yours.