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

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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

Ziddimalik
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This dish was very easy to make and it turned out great! The cauliflower sauce was creamy and flavorful, and the ham and broccoli added a nice touch of saltiness and crunch. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish came together beautifull


Sk Cafe
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I made this dish for my picky kids and they loved it! The creamy cauliflower sauce was a big hit, and they didn't even notice the broccoli. The ham added a nice salty flavor and the shells were cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again


Rabin Katuwal
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This dish was a bit too rich for my taste, but it was still very good. The cauliflower sauce was very creamy and cheesy, and the ham and broccoli added a nice savory touch. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish came together beautifully


Juan Silva
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I'm not usually a fan of cauliflower, but this dish changed my mind! The cauliflower sauce was creamy and cheesy, and it paired perfectly with the ham and broccoli. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish was very flavorful. I would defin


Cadan Adams
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This dish was absolutely delicious! The creamy cauliflower sauce was so flavorful and the ham and broccoli added a nice touch of saltiness and crunch. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish came together beautifully. I will definitely be


Shea L
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I made this dish for a potluck and it was a huge success! Everyone loved the unique combination of flavors and textures. The cauliflower sauce was a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables, and the ham and broccoli added a nice savory touch. I wo


Syed Nadeem Azhar
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This dish was a bit too salty for my taste, but it was still very good. The creamy cauliflower sauce was very flavorful and the ham and broccoli added a nice touch of crunch. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish came together beautiful


Ty Holtshausen
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I love this dish! The creamy cauliflower sauce is so rich and flavorful, and the ham and broccoli add a nice touch of saltiness and crunch. The shells are cooked perfectly and the whole dish comes together beautifully. I would definitely recommend th


Allan Taipari
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This dish was a bit bland for my taste, but it had potential. I think next time I would add more salt and pepper to the cauliflower sauce, and maybe some grated Parmesan cheese. I would also use a different type of ham, such as a smoked ham, for a mo


sk8sk8
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I've made this dish several times now and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The creamy cauliflower sauce is so flavorful and the ham and broccoli add a nice touch of saltiness and crunch. The shells are cooked perfectly and the whole dish


william walden
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This dish was very easy to make and it turned out great! The cauliflower sauce was creamy and flavorful, and the ham and broccoli added a nice touch of saltiness and crunch. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish came together beautifull


Babul akon
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I made this dish for my picky kids and they loved it! The creamy cauliflower sauce was a big hit, and they didn't even notice the broccoli. The ham added a nice salty flavor and the shells were cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again


Innocent John
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This dish was a bit too rich for my taste, but it was still very good. The cauliflower sauce was very creamy and cheesy, and the ham and broccoli added a nice savory touch. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish came together beautifully


rage salaad
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I'm not usually a fan of cauliflower, but this dish changed my mind! The cauliflower sauce was creamy and cheesy, and it paired perfectly with the ham and broccoli. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish was very flavorful. I would defin


Chris Xen
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This dish was absolutely delicious! The creamy cauliflower sauce was so flavorful and the ham and broccoli added a nice touch of saltiness and crunch. The shells were cooked perfectly and the whole dish came together beautifully. I will definitely be


Princess Jemah
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I made this dish for a potluck and it was a huge success! Everyone loved the unique combination of flavors and textures. The cauliflower sauce was a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables, and the ham and broccoli added a nice savory touch. I wo


Kgotso Maimane
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This baked shells and broccoli dish was a hit with my family! The creamy cauliflower sauce was rich and cheesy, and the ham added a nice salty flavor. The shells were cooked perfectly and the broccoli was still slightly crunchy. I will definitely be