Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hidden-vegetable pasta sauce made from steamed cauliflower and cheese, creating a mild, creamy texture kids adore. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, chopped into small florets cauliflower, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, steam 1 cup chopped cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a blender.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese to the blender with the cauliflower. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the blended cauliflower mixture and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then serve.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cauliflower Cheese Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cauliflower Cheese Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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