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

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Baked Shells and Broccoli with Ham and Cheesy-Creamy Cauliflower Sauce image

Adding toasted whole-wheat breadcrumbs gives this dish a nice crunch that balances out the creaminess of the sauce. Rather than baking the shells with the crumbs on top (which can make them soggy), toast the breadcrumbs separately, and toss a handful over each serving right before you put it on the table.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 13

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 and freshly 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 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)

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 358 g, Cholesterol 24 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 25 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 710 g

Real Poddah
[email protected]

This recipe was a bit too complicated for me. I think I'll stick to my usual pasta dishes.


Raza vai
[email protected]

I had some trouble getting the cauliflower sauce to smooth out. It was a little lumpy. Other than that, the dish was delicious.


Dastger dastger
[email protected]

This dish was a little bland for my taste. I think it could have used some more salt and pepper. The cauliflower sauce was also a little too thick for my liking.


Darius Cîrstea
[email protected]

I'm always looking for new ways to cook broccoli and this recipe was a winner! The cauliflower sauce was delicious and the broccoli was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.


saratu achi
[email protected]

This was a great dish to make for a weeknight meal. It was quick and easy to make, and the whole family loved it. The cauliflower sauce was a nice change from the usual tomato sauce.


Hassan Adeel
[email protected]

I made this dish for a potluck and it was a big hit! Everyone loved the creamy cauliflower sauce and the cheesy topping. I will definitely be making this again.


Ice Man
[email protected]

This recipe was a little time-consuming, but it was worth it! The cauliflower sauce was amazing and the shells and broccoli were cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.


Dakota Breezy
[email protected]

This dish was easy to make and very tasty! The cauliflower sauce was a unique and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. I will definitely be making this again.


chrystle lahay
[email protected]

I'm not a huge fan of cauliflower, but I really enjoyed this dish! The sauce was smooth and creamy, and the broccoli and ham were cooked perfectly. I would definitely make this again.


Maureen Chomboto
[email protected]

This was a great recipe! The cauliflower sauce was very tasty and the shells and broccoli were cooked perfectly. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.


Hashim Memon
[email protected]

I made this dish last night and it was delicious! I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. The sauce was creamy and cheesy, the broccoli was tender, and the ham added a nice salty flavor. I will definitely be making this again!


Himesh Madurangha
[email protected]

This dish was a hit with my family! Everyone loved the cheesy cauliflower sauce and the broccoli was cooked perfectly. The ham was a nice addition, but I think it could be omitted for a vegetarian version.


Ahmed Ghumman
[email protected]

Wow, these baked shells and broccoli were amazing! The cauliflower sauce was so rich and creamy while still being healthy and light. The ham added a nice salty touch and the cheese just tied it all together. Will definitely be making this again!


Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »