This Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce is a delicious and wholesome dish that combines the rich flavors of smoked ham, nutty pecorino cheese, and a smooth cauliflower-based sauce. It's a comforting, family-friendly meal packed with nutrients from the broccoli and made lighter with a creamy sauce using skim milk and cauliflower. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings indulgence without the guilt!
Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce
Course: MainCuisine: American6
servings15
minutes40
minutes400
kcalBaked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce is a comforting dish featuring tender pasta, savory ham, and broccoli, all coated in a rich, velvety cauliflower cheese sauce.
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
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Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
4 cups skim milk
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
6 ounces pecorino cheese, grated (2 cups)
1/2 pound medium multigrain pasta shells
1/4 pound sliced smoked ham, chopped
1 medium bunch broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets (5 cups)
1/2 cup toasted whole-wheat panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), for serving (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the pasta and broccoli: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta shells until al dente, according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the pot in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set aside.
- Make the cauliflower sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped cauliflower, garlic, and shallots. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
- Create the creamy sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cauliflower mixture and stir well. Gradually add the skim milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Add the grated nutmeg and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the pecorino cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine and bake: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, broccoli, chopped ham, and cheesy cauliflower sauce. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of pecorino cheese on top and, if desired, the toasted whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 22g
This Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce is the perfect combination of creamy comfort food and wholesome ingredients. The cauliflower-based sauce adds a nutritious twist to the traditional cheesy pasta, while the smoked ham and broccoli make it a well-rounded meal for the whole family.
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