One Pot Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta

This One Pot Cheesy Cauliflower Pasta is a time-saving dish that combines creamy cauliflower and pasta in just 13 minutes, making it an easy and delicious meal for any night of the week.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 12

Total Time 13

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

175g pasta pasta I used conchiglie, those shell-shaped noodles that scoop up the sauce beautifully, but penne or fusilli works too.
1 vegetable stock cube vegetable stock cube Adds depth to the pasta while it cooks—no need to pre-salt the water.
150g frozen diced cauliflower frozen diced cauliflower A major timesaver—no chopping or washing. Fresh cauliflower works if that's what you have (just cut it into small florets).
100g creme fraiche creme fraiche The key to a silky, creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional cream. Sour cream is a great substitute.
50g grated cheddar cheese grated cheddar cheese Go with sharp cheddar for bold flavor, but mozzarella or a cheese blend works in a pinch.

Method

Place the pasta and the vegetable stock cube into a medium saucepan. Cover with boiling water and simmer on high heat for 8 minutes.
After 8 minutes, stir in the frozen diced cauliflower. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cauliflower is soft.
Drain the excess liquid using a colander (leave just a tablespoon or two for creaminess).
Mix in the creme fraiche and grated cheddar cheese while the pasta is still hot. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Save time with frozen cauliflower: It softens quickly and blends beautifully into the dish. For a looser sauce: Reserve a bit of the cooking water and add as needed when mixing in the cheese. Reheat like a pro: Add a splash of milk or water when reheating leftovers to revive the creamy sauce. Don’t overcook the pasta: Stick to the times listed to avoid mushy noodles. Add protein: Toss in pre-cooked chicken or crispy bacon for an extra hearty meal.