Baked Pasta and Broccoli with Cheesy Creamy Cauliflower Sauce

Baked Pasta and Broccoli with Cheesy Creamy Cauliflower Sauce

Ingredients
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small head cauliflwer, cored and chopped (about 3 cups)
6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
4 medium shallots, roughly chopped (or sub about 1/2-3/4 cup diced onion)
Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
4 cups skim milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (I did just under that, between 1/8-1/4)
6 ounces Pecorino cheese, grated (about 2 cups- could sub fresh grated Parmesan)
1/2 pound medium multigrain pasta shells or bowties
1/4 pound sliced smoked ham, chopped (about 1 cups) (optional)
1 medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (3-5 cups)
optional: 1/2 cup toasted whole-wheat panko (Japanese bread crumbs) for serving.

Instructions
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add cauliflower, garlic, shallots, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until softened but not brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Sprinkle with flour; stir to coat well.

Gradually stir in milk; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; gently simmer until cauliflower is very soft, about 15 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes.  Transfer all to a blender, and puree with nutmeg and half the pecorino until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Cook pasta until slightly tender but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes.  (Note:  If you like your broccoli pretty tender, add it to boiling pasta water for a couple of minutes before draining)  Drain well; return to pot.  Add ham, broccoli, and cauliflower sauce; toss to combine.  Transfer to an ovenproof 3 1/2 quart baking dish.  Sprinkle with remaining pecorino, and bake until bubbling in center, about 30 minutes.  Heat broiler, and broil until golden brown on top, 1-2 minutes.  Divide among dishes, top with breadcrumbs (if using), and serve immediately.

Notes:

I left out the ham to make this vegetarian and it was still very filling and satisfying. The sauce is creamy and cheesy and I love that it's made with a whole head of cauliflower!! The three boys as well as the hubby quite enjoyed it. I used parmesan cheese, as it's what I always have on hand, but I'm sure the Pecorino flavor would be even better. My thoughts for next time: instead of sauteeing and simmering the cauliflower/onion/garlic, I think I will just try tossing in olive oil and roasting for 20 minutes at 450F. I love how roasting brings out flavors and I think it would be easier as well. So that's my plan for next time. I expect we will make this after Christmas to use up some leftover ham! My oven must be hot, as I only needed to cook it at 400F for 25 minutes and the top was perfectly crispy and golden brown.

Recipe and picture from: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2012/01/baked-pasta-and-broccoli-with-ham-and-cheesy-creamy-cauliflower-sauce/