Family Baked Curly Pasta with Garlic Chicken, Peas and Roasted Cauliflower Cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the cauliflower on a baking tray and toss it with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and a pinch of black pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, until tender with golden edges.

2. 2

   While the cauliflower roasts, boil the pasta in plenty of salted water until al dente, 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. 3

   Season the chicken with the sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a little black pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring, until cooked through. Add half of the chopped garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same skillet, reduce to medium heat. Add the butter and chopped onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring, to create a thick base.

5. 5

   Gradually pour in the whole milk and then the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the roasted cauliflower, lemon zest, the remaining dried thyme, and simmer for 3 minutes over low heat.

6. 6

   Transfer the sauce mixture to a blender or blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet and add 80 g mozzarella and 20 g Parmesan. Stir until melted. Adjust with the remaining salt and black pepper to taste.

7. 7

   Add the drained pasta, browned chicken, and frozen peas to the sauce. Mix well so all the ingredients are evenly coated.

8. 8

   Transfer the mixture to a baking dish about 33 x 23 cm / 13 x 9 inches. Top with the remaining mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.

9. 9

   Bake at 200 °C / 400 °F for 15 minutes. For extra color, broil for 2 to 3 additional minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

10. 10

    Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the bake can set slightly and be easier to portion.