^{Almafi Coast, Italy}

Finding Life's "Silver Linings" or "the medicine" for the soul

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Indulge in a Guilt-free Delight: Healthy Cauliflower Pancetta Mac and Cheese

Who doesn’t love Mac and Cheese!!?? But who doesn’t want the calories & carbs!!?? It’s a Big YES to both!! AND, I promise this is delicious! I prefer it to regular Mac and Cheese!! & it’s a meal in itself with the added veggies & plenty of protein. This is considered a nutritionally complete meal as it includes all the carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals you body needs to stay healthy!

I have served this on multiple occasions and have always been asked to share the recipe.

….by using Banza pasta, (made from chickpeas & sold at most grocery chains) we cut the carbs, add protein and fiber! We also add cauliflower to get in our veggies. Cauliflower adds 12 grams of fiber per servings, a full day’s supply of Vitamin C, Iron, Vitamin B6, Magnesium & Calcium. I use Banza Penne but you can try another shape. I promise you will not know the difference!! NOTE: Do NOT overcook though as it does become mushy when overcooked.

https://www.eatbanza.com

So, here you go! Please let me know how it turns out. What your favorite Healthy recipe?

Serves: 8-10

Approximate Time to Make: 30-45 minutes

Ingredients:

1 box Banza pasta (I use Penne but your choice!)

4 ozs diced pancetta (this gives so…much flavor! You could skip but I wouldn’t!)

2 scallions

1 head of cauliflower

1 tbsp flour

1 tbsp chicken stock concentrate (to taste)

1/2 c Italian cheese blend

1 c milk

1 tbsp butter

1 tsp olive oil

salt & pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400. Wash & dry all produce. Thinly slice scallions keeping greens & whites separate. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut cauliflower into bite size pieces & toss w/ olive oil and a dash of salt & pepper onto a cookie sheet. Roast until golden brown & tender, 20-25 minutes.
Add Banza pasta to boiling water & cook according to package directions. Do NOT overcook as this can make Banza pasta mushy.
Meanwhile heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and onion whites & toss until crispy, 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan retaining as much oil as possible.
Heat 1 tbsp butter in the same pan over medium heat. Once melted whisk in the flour. Whisk constantly, 1-2 minutes. Whisk in milk until combined. Add stock concentrate & simmer until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat & then stir in the cheese. Season w/ salt & pepper.
Stir pasta, pancetta with juices, and 3/4 of the cauliflower into the cheese sauce. Transfer to a lightly oiled medium baking dish. Top w/ remaining cauliflower and cook until bubbling, 5-7 minutes.
Serve: Garnish w/ scallion greens & ENJOY!

**FEEL GOOD** You are serving your family a nutritionally complete meal!!