Baked Shells and Broccoli With Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower

Name: Baked Shells and Broccoli With Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6-8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small head cauliflower, cored and chopped (3 cups); 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 4 medium shallots, roughly chopped; coarse salt; ground black pepper; 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups skim milk; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 6 ounces pecorino cheese, grated (2 cups); 1/2 lb medium multigrain pasta shells; 1/4 lb sliced smoked ham, chopped; 1 medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (5 cups); 1/2 cup toasted whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs, for serving (Japanese breadcrumbs) (optional)

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Recipe by Ambervim

One visible veggie and one in the sauce....lots of nutrition in something that everyone will want to eat. Good for dinner, breakfast or lunch.

READY IN: 1hr

SERVES: 6-8

UNITS: US

INGREDIENTS

Nutrition

1

teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1

small head cauliflower, cored and chopped (3 cups)
6

garlic cloves, roughly chopped
4

medium shallots, roughly chopped
coarse salt
ground black pepper
4

teaspoons all-purpose flour
4

cups skim milk
¹⁄₄

teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
6

ounces pecorino cheese, grated (2 cups)
¹⁄₂

lb medium multigrain pasta shells
¹⁄₄

lb sliced smoked ham, chopped
1

medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (5 cups)
¹⁄₂

cup toasted whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs, for serving (Japanese breadcrumbs) (optional)

DIRECTIONS

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. Drain well; return to pot.
Add ham, broccoli, and cauliflower sauce; toss to combine.
Transfer to a 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 to 2 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Divide among dishes, top with breadcrumbs, and serve immediately.

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