Somewhere between macaroni and cauliflower cheese, these pasta bakes are perfect for a cold day
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 box of pasta
- 1 bag of fresh spinach
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Begin by boiling a pot of water and cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta is cooking, chop the head of cauliflower into small florets. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the cauliflower to the pan and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
5. In the same pan, add the bag of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cauliflower, and spinach. Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese and stir until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Optional: For an extra crispy and golden top, broil on high for 1-2 minutes before serving.
11. Enjoy your delicious and simple cauliflower cheese & spinach pasta bake! Serve hot and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.