I’ve always had a soft spot for comfort food that’s both simple and comforting. One evening, I found myself craving something that combined warmth and creaminess, with a bit of a twist. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta. Now, I’m all about pasta dishes, but this one stood out for its unique take on the classic cauliflower cheese, which I remember my mom used to make. The combination of pasta with that rich, cheesy sauce is everything I never knew I needed.
As soon as I took the first bite, I was hooked. The cauliflower, which usually plays second fiddle to cheese in a traditional dish, here shines in all its roasted glory. It’s a game-changer in how you think about pasta.
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s recipe is all about simplicity. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together the elegance of a creamy cauliflower cheese sauce and the heartiness of pasta. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent without being too heavy. You get that comforting cheesy goodness, but there’s also a balance of texture from the roasted cauliflower and the al dente pasta.
The way Jamie roasts the cauliflower before mixing it into the pasta takes the flavor to another level. Instead of being soggy or bland, the cauliflower caramelizes in the oven, giving it a depth of flavor that stands up against the richness of the cheese sauce.
Ingredients Needed
- Cauliflower: This is the star of the show. Use a medium-sized cauliflower, broken into florets. Roasting it first intensifies the flavor.
- Pasta: A good short pasta works best. Penne or rigatoni are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- Cheese: A mix of mature cheddar and Parmesan. The cheddar gives that melty, gooey quality, while the Parmesan adds a sharpness that balances the richness.
- Milk & Cream: These two create the base for the cheese sauce. Full-fat cream gives it that indulgent texture, and milk helps it stay smooth and pourable.
- Butter: For the roux to thicken the sauce.
- Flour: Helps to bind the sauce, making it thick enough to coat every piece of pasta.
- Mustard Powder: A small amount of mustard powder adds depth to the cheese sauce, giving it a tangy undertone.
- Garlic & Onion: For flavor building-these two provide the aromatic foundation of the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a little fresh kick at the end.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta
-
Prep The Cauliflower
Start by breaking the cauliflower into florets. Toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spread them out on a baking tray. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes. You want those florets to get golden and crispy around the edges.
-
Cook The Pasta
While the cauliflower is roasting, cook the pasta in salted water. Be sure to cook it al dente since it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
-
Make The Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and onion, and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until the sauce is smooth and thickens. Then stir in your grated cheeses, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Combine Everything
Once the pasta is done, drain it (reserving a little pasta water). Toss it in the cheese sauce along with the roasted cauliflower. Mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
-
Serve & Garnish
Serve the pasta in bowls, and sprinkle fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan on top for garnish. A drizzle of olive oil can add an extra layer of flavor, too.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the reasons this recipe is so satisfying lies in the science of its ingredients:
- Cauliflower: This cruciferous vegetable is known for its ability to take on flavors when roasted. The natural sugars in cauliflower caramelize, giving it a nutty sweetness. The fiber in cauliflower helps balance out the richness of the cheese sauce, so it never feels too heavy.
- Cheese: When cheese melts, it releases fat, which combines with milk proteins to create a smooth sauce. The fat in the cream also adds richness. Parmesan, on the other hand, has a higher salt content and a more granular texture, which adds complexity to the sauce. It’s the perfect balance to the gooey cheddar.
- Mustard Powder: The mustard powder’s tangy kick helps to cut through the richness of the cheese sauce. The acidity works as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the savory notes of the cheese.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower: Roasting cauliflower brings out its sweetness and nutty flavors, but overcooking it can lead to mushy florets. Aim for a balance between crispy edges and tender insides.
- Make sure the pasta is al dente: Since you’ll be mixing it into the sauce, you want the pasta to hold its shape. If it’s overcooked, it’ll become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
- Use good-quality cheese: The cheese is the star of this dish. A sharp, mature cheddar will melt beautifully and give that satisfying flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated versions.
- Add some crunch: If you love a bit of texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top and pop it under the grill for a few minutes until crispy.
Recipe Variations
- Add bacon or pancetta: If you want to elevate the dish, try adding some crispy bacon or pancetta. The saltiness adds a great contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Try different veggies: While cauliflower is the star here, you can swap it out for broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or even roasted carrots for a different take.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
- Vegan version: Swap the cheese for vegan cheese and use a plant-based milk and cream. Roast the cauliflower in olive oil, and you’ll still get that satisfying flavor.
Final Words
This recipe is a perfect reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something memorable. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or as a dish for the whole family, Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a great choice. It’s indulgent but not overwhelming, with layers of flavor and a balance of textures that make every bite feel like a treat.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?
First, cook the pasta. Then, make the cauliflower cheese sauce by boiling the cauliflower, blending it with cheese, and mixing it into the pasta. Finally, bake it until golden and bubbling.
Can I Add Any Other Ingredients To Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?
Yes! You can add things like crispy bacon, herbs, or even a bit of garlic for extra flavor.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Recipe Suitable For Vegetarians?
Absolutely! The recipe is vegetarian as it uses cauliflower and cheese as the main ingredients, with no meat involved.