Save Discover the comforting elegance of our Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Pasta — a luscious Italian-inspired dish where tender roasted cauliflower and garlic transform into a velvety sauce that beautifully coats your favorite pasta. Finished with fragrant fresh herbs and parmesan, this vegetarian main offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures for any weeknight meal.
Save This pasta showcases the magic of simple ingredients elevated by roasting and blending. A modest head of cauliflower becomes the star as you transform it into a creamy sauce that makes every forkful deeply satisfying and nourishing.
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
Roasting the vegetables until golden adds depth and sweetness that elevates the sauce dramatically. Using a blender or food processor ensures a perfectly smooth and creamy texture, but a high-speed blender will yield the best results. Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency while keeping it silky.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan alternative, swap cream and milk for unsweetened plant-based milk and cream substitutes, and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast. You can enhance the dish with sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for added nourishment. Whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta varieties can easily be used for dietary preferences.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy pasta straight from the pot garnished with additional parmesan, fresh parsley or basil, a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Save This Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Pasta is your go-to recipe for an effortless yet indulgent vegetarian meal. Its combination of textures and flavors makes it a memorable dish that invites you back for seconds, week after week.
Recipe FAQ
- → How does roasting cauliflower affect the flavor?
Roasting caramelizes the cauliflower’s natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness and adding a rich, nutty depth to the sauce.
- → Can I use different pasta types with this dish?
Yes, spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or other pasta shapes work well to hold the creamy cauliflower sauce.
- → What dairy alternatives can I use for a vegan variation?
Unsweetened plant-based milks and creams along with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan create a delicious dairy-free sauce.
- → Why is some reserved pasta water added to the sauce?
The starchy pasta water helps thin and smooth the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly and adds silkiness.
- → How can I enhance the dish’s vegetable content?
Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra texture and nutrients, complementing the roasted cauliflower.
- → What herbs work best as garnish?
Fresh parsley or basil bring bright, herbal notes that balance the creamy and roasted flavors.