Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines two classic favorites: cauliflower cheese and pasta. Imagine tender pasta smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce, with chunks of roasted cauliflower that add texture and a mild, earthy flavor. The cauliflower is roasted until golden and caramelized, bringing out its sweetness and depth. All of this is then tossed together in a velvety sauce made with a combination of milk, cream and cheese-typically a sharp cheddar which complements the richness of the dish.

What makes this pasta dish so irresistible is its perfect balance. The cheese sauce is creamy but not overly heavy and the roasted cauliflower gives it a subtle smokiness. It’s a great way to get your veggies in while indulging in a comforting bowl of pasta. Jamie oliver’s version is a solid choice.

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of the essential ingredients you’ll need to recreate Jamie’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta:

• Pasta: You’ll need about 300-350g of pasta. Penne or rigatoni work really well because they trap the sauce inside their tubes but any pasta shape will do.
• Cauliflower: 1 medium-sized cauliflower, cut into florets. Roasting the cauliflower is key to developing its flavor.
• Cheese: A strong, mature cheddar cheese is typically used for that sharp bite. You’ll need around 200-250g, grated. Some recipes call for adding a bit of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Milk & Cream: A mixture of both whole milk (around 600ml) and double cream (about 150ml) gives the sauce a perfect texture. This makes it rich but not overly thick.
• Butter: A couple of tablespoons, for sautéing and adding to the sauce.
• Flour: For the roux, you’ll need a little plain flour (roughly 2 tablespoons) to thicken the sauce.
• Garlic & Mustard: A couple of cloves of garlic and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard will elevate the sauce’s flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a fragrant note to the dish. You can also sprinkle a bit of paprika or cayenne for a mild kick.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.

Equipment Needed

To make this dish, you don’t need anything fancy, just the basics:

• Oven: To roast the cauliflower. You’ll need to preheat it to around 200°C (390°F).
• Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Baking tray: To spread the cauliflower on while it roasts.
• Frying pan: For making the roux (the base of the cheese sauce).
• Whisk: To keep the sauce smooth and lump-free as it thickens.
• Grater: To shred your cheese.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (390°F) to roast the cauliflower. Cut it into small florets, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and spread them out on a baking tray. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until the cauliflower is golden and slightly crispy at the edges.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for a minute or so until fragrant. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook for a minute until it’s golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring the sauce is smooth. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens. Then stir in the grated cheese and mustard and season with salt, pepper and herbs. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until it’s well-coated. Gently fold in the roasted cauliflower and if needed, adjust the texture by adding a bit of reserved pasta water.
5. Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with extra cheese or herbs if desired.

What I Learnt

One of the best things I learned from making Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta is how simple it is to turn a few basic ingredients into something so satisfying. The roasted cauliflower adds a level of depth and richness to the dish that you wouldn’t get if you simply steamed it. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and that slight crispiness gives it an interesting contrast to the creamy pasta.

I also found that the sauce doesn’t need to be too thick which makes it feel lighter but still indulgent. The balance of milk and cream is key. you get that luscious texture without it feeling too heavy. And the mustard really makes a difference. It adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pasta.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Jamie Oliver’s cauliflower cheese pasta is already a comforting, cheesy dish but there’s always room to make it your own. Here are a few twists to elevate the recipe.

1. Add Some Protein: For an extra boost, consider tossing in some grilled chicken, bacon or even sausage. You can also add plant-based options like chickpeas or lentils if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
2. Spice It Up: Jamie’s version is creamy and mild but if you want a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce. Or, toss in some jalapeños or chili peppers when cooking the cauliflower. A dash of smoked paprika would also bring a nice smoky flavor.
3. Boost the Veggies: Cauliflower is the star but you can sneak in other vegetables to add color and nutrition. Try adding spinach, peas or roasted bell peppers. The added freshness and crunch will bring a new layer to the dish.
4. Different Cheese Options: While cheddar gives that classic flavor, you could play with cheese blends. Gruyère or parmesan would give the sauce a nutty richness while a bit of blue cheese would give it a bold, tangy twist.
5. Herbs & Seasoning: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or sage for an earthy flavor. A sprinkle of nutmeg in the cheese sauce can bring out a warm depth and garlic lovers might want to roast some garlic along with the cauliflower for a subtle but fragrant addition.
6. Make It a Bake: If you want something crispy on top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil or melted butter over the top before baking. The golden crust gives the pasta a delightful crunch and a beautiful finish.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

If you end up with extra cauliflower cheese pasta, it stores well for a couple of days but there are some things to keep in mind:

1. Cool Down First: Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps avoid condensation in the container which can make the pasta soggy.
2. Use Airtight Containers: Keep leftovers in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent them from absorbing any strange odors from the fridge.
3. Reheat Gently: When reheating, it’s best to do it slowly on low heat to avoid the sauce separating. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if it’s become too thick.
4. Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to keep leftovers for longer, cauliflower cheese pasta can be frozen. Divide it into portions before freezing to make it easier to reheat. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?

This dish is already quite filling but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a full meal.

1. Salads: A crisp, fresh salad is the perfect contrast to the richness of the pasta. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber and mint salad to refresh your palate between bites.
2. Garlic Bread: For a real indulgence, a slice of garlic bread works wonders with cauliflower cheese pasta. The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables: If you want to stay on the veggie train, roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots or even a medley of root vegetables would go great with the pasta, adding some texture and earthy flavors to balance out the dish.
4. Wine Pairings: If you’re having this meal for dinner, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay will complement the creamy cheese sauce. For those who prefer red, a soft Pinot Noir works well without overpowering the flavors.
5. Protein: As mentioned earlier, adding grilled chicken, bacon or even a vegetarian patty can turn this dish into a more substantial meal. It’s also great served with a simple roast chicken or fish on the side.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Recipe Different?

Jamie’s version blends creamy cheese sauce with roasted cauliflower and pasta for a rich, comforting meal. It’s a twist on the classic cauliflower cheese!

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free flour for the cheese sauce.

How Can I Add More Flavor To Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Pasta?

Try adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon or a dash of mustard to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.