Broccoli, Ham and Alfredo Pasta

Broccoli, Ham and Alfredo Pasta (With Sneaky Cauliflower)

Ingredients

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 small head cauliflwer, cored and chopped (about 3 cups)

6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

4 medium shallots, roughly chopped (or sub about 1/2-3/4 cup diced onion)

Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper

4 teaspoons all-purpose flour

4 cups skim milk

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (I did just under that, between 1/8-1/4)

6 ounces Pecorino cheese, grated (about 2 cups- could sub fresh grated Parmesan) I just did a Cheese Mix with Parmesan in it.

1/2 pound medium multigrain pasta shells or bowties

1/4 pound sliced smoked ham, chopped (about 1 cups)

1 medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (3-5 cups)

optional: 1/2 cup toasted whole-wheat panko (Japanese bread crumbs) for serving.

Instructions

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add cauliflower, garlic, shallots, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook until softened but not brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Sprinkle with flour; stir to coat well.

Gradually stir in milk; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; gently simmer until cauliflower is very soft, about 15 minutes.  Let cool for 5 minutes.  Transfer all to a blender, and puree with nutmeg and half the pecorino until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Cook pasta until slightly tender but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes.  (Note:  If you like your broccoli pretty tender, add it to boiling pasta water for a couple of minutes before draining)  Drain well; return to pot.  Add ham, broccoli, and cauliflower sauce; toss to combine.  Transfer to an ovenproof 3 1/2 quart baking dish.  Sprinkle with remaining pecorino, and bake until bubbling in center, about 30 minutes.  Heat broiler, and broil until golden brown on top, 1-2 minutes.  Divide among dishes, top with breadcrumbs (if using), and serve immediately.

From OUR BEST BITES