Cauliflower and Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
How to make Cauliflower and Chicken Mac and Cheese
Method
- To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan over a medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk in several batches to avoid lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in the mustard and three quarters of the cheese, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Cook the cauliflower in a large pan of salted water for 3 minutes, drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Cook the pasta (8-10 minutes or until aldente). Ensure pasta is not fully cooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well and add it to the cauliflower with the cheese sauce. Add chicken. Stir well and season to taste.
- Transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle the panko crumbs and remaining cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
Tip: You can use any short pasta shape in place of macaroni.
Optional: For an iron-rich hit, add some cooked green vegetables to the mix. Chopped cooked spinach, broccoli or peas work well.