This recipe is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company, but all opinions are my own.
Raise your hand if you love mac n’ cheese.
Now raise your hand if you love veggies.
This recipe checks both those boxes. Meet your new fave cauliflower mac n’ cheese. Cauliflower has to be one of my favorite vegetables because of it’s mild taste, great texture and versatility. The cauliflower in this recipe helps thicken up the sauce while helping to meet your daily veggie quota. An easy weeknight dinner recipe for you and your family.
What brings this recipe together and really bumps up the nutrition is Quaker’s NEW Oat Beverage, a smooth, and creamy plant-based beverage that makes for an easy swap for dairy or other plant-based beverages and conveniently fits into your lifestyle.. It comes in three flavor options of Original, Original Unsweetened and Vanilla. While the Original Unsweetened works perfectly in this recipe, I love adding the Vanilla to smoothies, coffee and morning oatmeal. You can find it in the refrigerated dairy alternative section at retailers nationwide.
What is unique about Quaker’s new Oat Beverage is that it was specifically formulated with fiber from oat bran to qualify for an FDA heart health claim.
Each 8-ounce serving of Quaker Oat Beverage has .75 grams of soluble fiber called beta-glucan from oat bran. Studies show that 3 grams or more of soluble fiber from oat bran, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Beta-glucan is a soluble dietary fiber and the primary active component of oats that may reduce cholesterol in the blood. Additionally, each 8-ounce serving of Oat Beverage contains only 30-50 calories, is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D and a good source of fiber from oat bran and chicory root extract. It is also lactose free!
If you make this, be sure to share with me on Instagram!
A heart healthy diet should include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy, lean protein and legumes, and should limit fat, saturated fat and cholesterol and sodium. This recipe per 1 serving provides at least 0.75g soluble fiber. Experts recommend that to maintain good health, no more than 10% of your calories should come from saturated fat, and no more than 20-35% of daily calories should come from total fat.
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings |
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- 2 oz. chickpea elbow pasta, dry
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 tsp tapioca starch
- 1/4 cup nonfat shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz. Quaker Unsweetened Oat Beverage
Ingredients
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- Cook pasta according to instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, steam cauliflower until tender and transfer to a food processor with tapioca starch and Quaker Unsweetened Oat Beverage. Puree until smooth.
- Pour cauliflower puree into a saucepan and place over medium low heat. Whisk in tapioca starch and cheese until melted. Stir in pasta and serve immediately.
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