Cross cauliflower cheese with a pasta bake for a hearty vegetarian dinner that kids and grown-ups will love. It also delivers two of your 5-a-day
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 cup of uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (any kind you prefer)
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the cauliflower into small florets and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
3. In a pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and season with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is slightly tender.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cauliflower and mix well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
7. Pour the cauliflower and pasta mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top of the mixture. If desired, add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs on top for a crispy topping.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious cauliflower cheese pasta bake!