This Cauliflower Cheese Pasta recipe is your cheesy ticket to transforming those leftover florets into a comforting and satisfying dish.

This recipe goes beyond the side dish potential of cauliflower. It elevates leftover roasted cauliflower to center stage, combining it with a creamy cheese sauce and your favorite type of pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal that utilizes leftover ingredients and creates a family-friendly dinner that’s both delicious and budget-friendly. So ditch the idea of throwing away leftover cauliflower and embrace the cheesy goodness of Cauliflower Cheese Pasta. You’ll be glad you did!

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 30 minutes

Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Recipe

Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Recipe Ingredients:

This recipe transforms leftover roasted cauliflower into a cheesy and comforting pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta: Choose a short pasta shape like penne, rotini, macaroni, or cavatappi to capture the creamy cheese sauce.
• Roasted Cauliflower: The star of the show! Use leftover roasted cauliflower florets, or roast a head of cauliflower specifically for this recipe.
• Cheese Sauce: This is where the magic happens! Here’s what you’ll need for the sauce:
  • Butter: For creating a roux, the base of the sauce.
  • Flour: Thickens the sauce for a creamy consistency.
  • Milk: Whole milk or low-fat milk creates a creamy base. You can also use non-dairy alternatives.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheddar cheese is essential for that classic cheesy flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Adds a salty and nutty complexity to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth of flavor.
  • Nutmeg (Optional): A pinch of nutmeg adds a warm and slightly sweet touch to the cheese sauce (be careful not to add too much).
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the dish.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme add a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
• Breadcrumbs (Optional): A panko or breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Instructions:

Turning leftover roasted cauliflower into a delicious Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a breeze. Follow these steps for a cheesy and comforting dish:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Whisk in the Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Cheese Time: Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in the grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese (if using) until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
5. Combine and Coat: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted cauliflower florets, and the prepared cheese sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and cauliflower evenly.
6. Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using breadcrumbs, combine them with melted butter and a sprinkle of dried herbs (optional) to create a crispy topping. Scatter the breadcrumbs evenly over the pasta mixture in the bowl.
7. Bake Until Golden (Optional): For an extra cheesy and golden top, you can transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Fresh Herb Garnish (Optional): While the dish is hot, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme for an extra touch of freshness (optional).
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Cauliflower Cheese Pasta hot and comforting, perfect for a weeknight meal!

Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Serving Suggestions:

This flavorful and cheesy pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with a few complementary sides:

• Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Who can resist? Garlicky bread adds a delightful touch to the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes add extra color and nutrients to the meal.
• Pickles: For a touch of tang, serve alongside a plate of pickles.

This Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a delicious and resourceful way to use up leftover roasted cauliflower, making it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire!

Why Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Is a Great Leftover Recipe:

Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a champion for leftover roasted cauliflower, transforming it into a cheesy, comforting, and satisfying pasta dish! Here’s why it’s the perfect recipe to use up those leftover florets:

• Second Life for Roasted Cauliflower: Leftover roasted cauliflower takes center stage in this recipe. No need to waste it! This dish gives it a delicious new purpose.
• Embrace the Cheese: This recipe is all about the creamy cheese sauce. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover shredded cheese or to feature a specific cheese you have on hand.
• A Creamy Transformation: Leftover milk gets a delicious makeover as the base for the creamy cheese sauce.
• A Dish for All Dietary Needs: This recipe is easily adaptable to different dietary needs. Use non-dairy milk alternatives for a vegan option, or swap some of the cheese for a different variety.
• Leftover Friendly: This dish welcomes other leftover cooked vegetables! Chopped broccoli, peas, or even leftover cooked spinach can be incorporated for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Twice as Delicious: This pasta dish tastes even better the next day! Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or even transform into a cheesy and comforting pasta salad for meal prep.

With its focus on using leftover roasted cauliflower and its adaptability to different ingredients and dietary needs, Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a delicious and resourceful way to reduce food waste in the kitchen!

Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.