Prep Time    20mins

Cook Time    30 mins

Serves        4

Nut Free / Vegetarian / Egg Free

Ingredients

• 250 g high-fibre or wholegrain pasta
• 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbs plain flour
• 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat milk
• to taste pepper
• 1 cup reduced-fat cheese, grated
• 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Method

1. Cook pasta in a large pot according to packet instruction. In the last 5-6 minutes of cooking, add the cauliflower florets and zucchini to the pot of boiling pasta. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a saucepan and cook onions for 4-5 minutes until soft.
3. Add the flour to the pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Gradually start adding the milk while stirring. (Hint: warm the milk in the microwave first to get a smoother sauce, quicker). Bring the sauce to the boil, then remove from the heat. Season with pepper and stir in grated cheese.
4. Combine the pasta, vegies and sauce.
5. Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan and pepper in a separate bowl.
6. Put pasta, vegies and sauce in an oven proof dish, sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture and place under the grill for 5-10 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Variations

Blitz some of the cooked cauliflower and zucchini into a puree and fold into the cheese sauce if you want to hide some of the vegetables. Peeling the zucchini also makes it less visible.

Use peas, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli or whatever vegetable needs using up in this dish.

Nutrition Information

Reference: The Better Health Channel – Live Lighter –  for full details

https://livelighter.com.au/recipe/575/mac-cheese-bake