Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy cauliflower cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Comfort food classic: Combines the creaminess of cheese with hearty pasta.
Nutritious: Packed with fiber and nutrients from cauliflower.
Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, ready in under 30 minutes.
Kid-friendly: A sneaky way to include veggies in a meal.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite cheese or add-ins.

Other Recipes

What Is Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?

Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a creamy pasta dish where roasted or boiled cauliflower is blended into a cheesy sauce, and then tossed with cooked pasta. It’s a unique take on traditional mac and cheese with a veggie-packed twist.

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Ingredients

400g (14 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or macaroni)
1 medium cauliflower, chopped into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
250ml (1 cup) milk
200g (7 oz) grated cheddar cheese
50g (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
50g (2 oz) breadcrumbs (optional topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Cauliflower

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
In the same pot, add the cauliflower florets during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking. Drain both and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the milk, grated cheddar, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 3: Blend the Cauliflower into the Sauce

Add the cooked cauliflower to the cheese sauce. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy (leave some chunks if you prefer texture).

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Optional Topping and Bake

If desired, transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top, and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Garlic bread: A classic pairing for any pasta dish.
Green salad: A fresh salad balances the creaminess of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables: Add extra nutrition with roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus.
Grilled chicken: A protein-packed addition to make it a complete meal.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Cook the cauliflower well: Ensure the cauliflower is tender for a smooth sauce.
Use high-quality cheese: Freshly grated cheddar and Parmesan enhance the flavor.
Customize the sauce: Add spices like nutmeg or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
Save pasta water: Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Add crunch: Top with breadcrumbs or nuts for a crispy texture.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Spicy version: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Add greens: Toss in spinach, kale, or peas for added color and nutrients.
Cheesy upgrade: Mix in blue cheese or Gruyere for a richer flavor.
Meaty addition: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken.

How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?

Refrigerate properly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze for later: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?

Reheat on the stove: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Use the microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each to prevent drying.
Bake to re-crisp: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 400
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 5g

FAQs

Can I make cauliflower cheese pasta vegan?

Yes, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for the sauce, and skip any butter or cream in the recipe.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve some pasta water while draining and add it gradually to the sauce to adjust the consistency as needed.

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works well. Cook it directly in boiling water until tender, then proceed with the recipe.

What other vegetables can I add to cauliflower cheese pasta?

You can add spinach, peas, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor, color, and nutrients.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a creamy, cheesy delight with a healthy twist. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting family dinner. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy the delicious balance of flavor and nutrition!