Creamy Cauliflower Carbonara: A Kid-Friendly Delight
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
This delightful Creamy Cauliflower Carbonara is a culinary creation that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also cleverly incorporates vegetables to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. By transforming a simple cauliflower soup into a creamy carbonara, this recipe ensures that both kids and adults can enjoy a delicious, low-fat meal together. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for families looking to sneak some nutrition into their dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion | 1 |
| Cauliflower | 300 g |
| Water | 1 ½ cups |
| Skim Milk | ½ cup |
| Bacon | 60 g |
| Pasta | 240 g |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 403.8 |
| Total Fat | 13.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 27.9 mg |
| Sodium | 281 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 53.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g |
| Sugars | 4.1 g |
| Protein | 16.5 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of the pasta water for later if needed.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium-sized saucepan, spray the bottom lightly with oil spray and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, introduce the cauliflower florets along with the stock powder and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cauliflower is tender, which should take approximately 15 minutes.
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Blend the Sauce: Once the cauliflower is cooked through, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until completely smooth to create a creamy sauce. To this blended mixture, add the grated cheese and skim milk, blending again until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
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Cook the Bacon: While the sauce is blending, heat a separate frying pan over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook them to your liking, whether you prefer them crispy or softer. Once cooked, remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy cauliflower sauce, ensuring that every piece is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency. Finally, fold in the crispy bacon pieces for that irresistible carbonara flavor.
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Serve and Enjoy: Dish out generous portions of this creamy cauliflower carbonara onto plates, and watch as your kids enjoy every bite of this nutritious meal. Garnish with additional grated cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
This Creamy Cauliflower Carbonara not only satisfies cravings for comfort food but also helps ensure your little ones are getting their vegetables in a way that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings the family together around the dinner table while also being quick enough to whip up on a busy evening. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
