Best Shells With Cauliflower And Cheese Recipes

SHELLS WITH CAULIFLOWER AND HAM

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
• In 3-quart saucepan, heat 8 cups (2 quarts) water to boiling. Add cauliflower and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; cook 4 minutes or until tender. Remove cauliflower with slotted spoon to large bowl. Heat cooking liquid to boiling. Add pasta; cook 6 minutes. Drain; add pasta to cauliflower.
• In 2-quart saucepan, stir flour and milk with whisk. Add garlic; cook over medium-high heat about 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses, mustard, pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour cheese sauce over cauliflower mixture. Stir in ham. Spoon mixture into baking dish.
• Place bread in food processor. Cover; process until coarse crumbs form. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over casserole. Bake uncovered 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

SPRING SHELLS AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Grate the zucchini into a colander using the large holes of a box grater. Toss with 1 tablespoon salt, then place in the sink to drain, about 15 minutes. Squeeze out the excess liquid.
• Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, nutmeg, cayenne, 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper to taste and mix with a wooden spoon to make a paste. Cook, stirring, until the paste puffs slightly, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, then add the thyme, bay leaves and lemon zest and bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened slightly, about 25 minutes. Strain into a bowl; discard the herbs.
• Meanwhile, position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and add to the sauce.
• Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring, until almost tender, about 4 minutes. Add the zucchini mixture to the pasta along with the egg yolks and all but 3 tablespoons of both cheeses; stir to combine, then add the spinach.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the reserved cheeses. Bake until browned on top and heated through, 25 to 30 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

BAKED SHELLS AND BROCCOLI WITH HAM AND CHEESY-CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SAUCE

Steps:

• 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.