Cauliflower Cheese Spaghetti with Garlicky Breadcrumbs
Make cauliflower cheese spaghetti with garlicky breadcrumbs. A creamy, vegetarian pasta dinner that is easy, comforting, and perfect for the whole family.
Cauliflower cheese has always been a favorite comfort dish in my home, but I wanted to take that same creamy goodness and make it into a hearty pasta dinner. Spaghetti seemed like the perfect match, giving the sauce a chance to coat every strand while keeping it filling enough for the whole family. The garlicky breadcrumbs add that crunch on top which makes every bite special.
The first night I made this, I was not sure how my family would feel about cauliflower as the main ingredient. To my surprise, everyone went back for seconds. The sauce turned out rich and smooth, with a flavor that reminded us of classic mac and cheese but with a lighter touch. My wife even said it was one of the best pasta dishes we had in weeks.
I enjoy how this recipe is both simple and versatile. It is easy to prepare on a weeknight, yet it feels fancy enough to serve when friends come over. It is vegetarian, so it pleases a wider crowd, and you can pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish proves that comfort food does not have to be heavy to be satisfying.
Questions You May Have About This Recipe
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, just steam it until tender before blending into the sauce.
What type of cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but you can mix in Parmesan or Gruyère for variety.
Does this reheat well?
Yes, though you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Can I make it gluten free?
Yes, use gluten free pasta and gluten free breadcrumbs.
What is the purpose of the breadcrumbs?
They give the dish texture and a savory crunch that balances the creamy sauce.
What You Need to Make Cauliflower Cheese Spaghetti
12 ounces spaghetti
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
How to Make Cauliflower Cheese Spaghetti
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Steam cauliflower until tender, about 8 minutes.
In a saucepan, melt butter and cook garlic until fragrant. Add milk and cauliflower, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Toss cooked spaghetti with the cauliflower cheese sauce.
In a skillet, toast breadcrumbs with olive oil until golden. Sprinkle over pasta before serving.
Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.
Tips
Roast the cauliflower instead of steaming for a deeper flavor.
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for warmth.
Try different cheeses to change the taste.
Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Creamy and comforting, my husband did not even realize it was cauliflower.” Margaret L.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very tasty, though I added extra garlic to suit our taste. Will make again.” Steven P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The breadcrumbs on top made this special. My grandkids loved it.” Nancy W.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy to make and filling. I added roasted broccoli on the side.” Peter J.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is now in our weekly rotation. Great for meatless nights.” Diane K.
Printable Recipe
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Cauliflower Cheese Spaghetti with Garlicky Breadcrumbs
A creamy cauliflower cheese sauce tossed with spaghetti and topped with garlicky breadcrumbs. Comforting, vegetarian, and family friendly.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Steam cauliflower until tender, about 8 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and cook garlic until fragrant. Add milk and cauliflower, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with the cauliflower cheese sauce.
- In a skillet, toast breadcrumbs with olive oil until golden. Sprinkle over pasta before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve warm.
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