Creamy Cauliflower Chicken Baked Pasta Gluten Free Dairy Free Recipes

CREAMY CAULIFLOWER CHICKEN BAKED PASTA {GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE}

Steps:

• Cover the cashews, if using, in boiling water and let them sit for 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
• In a medium saucepan or dutch oven, heat the butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and mushrooms and cook until softened, 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cauliflower and 2 cups chicken stock. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce to a simmer then cover. Cook covered for 10-15 minutes, until the cauliflower is very soft.
• Drain and rinse the cashews. Place them in a high-speed blender with 1/2 cup of chicken stock. Blend (I use the whole juice setting) until completely smooth. When the cauliflower is cooked, pour the mixture into the blender. Carefully blend on low until the mixture is totally smooth. Pour back into the pan and add the soy sauce and parmesan cheese, if using. Add the remaining cup of chicken stock and stir to combine. Season to taste with more salt if needed and plenty of freshly cracked pepper.
• Preheat the oven to 450F. Butter or grease a 13x9-inch baking dish.
• Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken and cook on each side for 5-6 minutes, until cooked through. Transfer to a plate to cool, then shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• In the now empty pan, add another tablespoon of butter/olive oil if needed. Add the onion and mushrooms. Cook until very soft, about 7-9 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme. Cook for 30 seconds then add the wine and simmer until it evaporates, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Meanwhile, cook the noodles until just undercooked, about 5 minutes in salted boiling water. Drain and lightly rinse the noodles to remove some of the starch.
• Mix the cauliflower sauce, noodles, shredded chicken, mushroom mixture, peas and parsley together. Pour into the baking dish. Mix together the topping ingredients, then sprinkle over the top. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!