Go Back
Simple One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. photo

One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.

This One Pot Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is indulgently creamy, nutritious, and easy to make with minimal cleanup!
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Chopping Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cup and spoons
  • Cheese Grater

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound short-cut pasta such as macaroni
  • 1 small to medium head cauliflower roughly chopped
  • 3/4 cup canned coconut milk, heavy cream, or whole milk
  • 3 ounces cream cheese cubed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded fontina or provolone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • to taste Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste
  • to taste fresh chopped parsley and/or chives for topping

Instructions
 

  • Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the short-cut pasta along with the chopped cauliflower. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente and the cauliflower is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
  • In the same pot, lower the heat and add the coconut milk (or your choice of cream), cubed cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and everything is well combined, creating a luscious sauce.
  • Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and fontina (or provolone) cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Taste the creamy mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Stir everything together until well mixed.
  • Once everything is heated through and creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and/or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute short-cut pasta with penne or fusilli if macaroni is unavailable.
  • Use dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy cheese to make this recipe vegan.
  • Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months; reheat with a splash of milk for best results.
Keyword Cauliflower, Comfort Food, Creamy, Easy, Mac and Cheese, One-Pot, Vegetables