Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Pasta is an irresistible blend of silky pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce made from tender roasted cauliflower and fragrant garlic. This Italian-inspired vegetarian dish offers comforting flavors perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, balancing richness from parmesan and cream with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon zest.

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With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, this pasta dish elevates humble cauliflower into a silky, flavorful sauce. Roasting the vegetables deepens their natural sweetness and adds a gentle char, enhancing the overall complexity of the sauce.

Ingredients

• Vegetables
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
• Pasta
  • 350 g (12 oz) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• Dairy & Liquids
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) whole milk
  • 45 g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
• Seasonings & Garnish
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss cauliflower florets, garlic cloves, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cauliflower is golden and tender.

4. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 180 ml (3/4 cup) pasta water, then drain pasta.

5. Transfer roasted cauliflower, garlic, and onion to a blender or food processor. Add heavy cream, milk, parmesan, and half of the reserved pasta water. Blend until completely smooth. Add more pasta water as needed until sauce is creamy and pourable.

6. Return cooked pasta to the pot. Pour the cauliflower sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. Heat gently over low heat for 1–2 minutes, adding extra pasta water for a silkier sauce if desired.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with extra parmesan, chopped herbs, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To guarantee perfectly roasted cauliflower, make sure to flip halfway through cooking for an even golden-brown color. Adjust the creaminess of your sauce by adding reserved pasta water little by little until it reaches your desired consistency. Gently warming the sauce with the pasta helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, substitute the cream and milk with unsweetened plant-based alternatives and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach to incorporate extra vegetables. You can also swap regular pasta with whole-wheat or gluten-free varieties depending on dietary preferences.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this creamy roasted cauliflower garlic pasta sprinkled with extra parmesan, fresh chopped parsley or basil, and a zest of lemon to brighten the dish. For those who enjoy a kick, crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that complements the rich sauce wonderfully.

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This comforting pasta is a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables in a creamy, indulgent sauce without relying on heavy cream alone. With quick preparation and simple ingredients, it’s a delicious and nourishing option for any night of the week.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve a creamy sauce without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with blended soaked cashews or use plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture and extra flavor.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or any preferred pasta shape works well to hold the rich cauliflower sauce.

→ What’s the best way to roast the cauliflower and garlic evenly?

Spread cauliflower florets, garlic cloves, and onion in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flip halfway through the roasting time for even caramelization.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Adding crushed red pepper flakes while tossing the pasta or as a garnish provides a gentle kick without overpowering the flavors.

→ What herbs complement this pasta best?

Fresh parsley or basil adds a bright, aromatic contrast that enhances the creamy roasted cauliflower sauce.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.