Cauliflower Pasta Gratin Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower (trimmed and cut into florets)
• 16 oz. of rotini pasta
• ½ cup of butter
• ½ cup of flour
• 4 cups of milk
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp. of salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp. of black pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tsp. of dried thyme
• 1 tsp. of dried basil
• 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp. of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish using non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the cauliflower florets and cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the water and set aside.
3. Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the water and set aside.
4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes or until the garlic is fragrant. Add in the flour and whisk until it’s well combined with the butter.
5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth. Add in the salt, pepper, thyme, and basil and stir until the spices are well blended. Cook the sauce for about 5-7 minutes or until it thickens and starts to bubble.
6. Stir in ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, mix until it’s melted and well combined.
7. Add the cooked cauliflower and rotini pasta into the sauce and stir until everything is well coated with the sauce. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread it evenly.
8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil until it’s well mixed. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the cauliflower pasta mixture.
9. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the breadcrumb layer.
10. Bake the cauliflower pasta gratin in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown and crispy.
11. Take the baking dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the cauliflower pasta gratin while it’s still warm, as a main dish for dinner or lunch. You can also serve it as a side dish, paired with roasted chicken, baked fish, or grilled steak. Enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea.