Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Silky, comforting, and packed with flavor, Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Pasta is a delightful vegetarian main dish that brings Italian-inspired warmth to your weeknight dinner table. This recipe elevates humble cauliflower by roasting it to golden perfection alongside garlic and onions, then transforming it into a luscious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. Finished with parmesan and fresh herbs, every bite is a celebration of nourishing simplicity and rich taste.

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This recipe delivers a wonderful balance of textures and tastes — from the tender roasted cauliflower to the al dente pasta, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that’s boosted by the sharp, nutty parmesan. The fresh herbs and optional lemon zest add brightness and a hint of freshness that lift the dish beautifully. Whether enjoyed as a comforting solo meal or shared with friends and family, this pasta will quickly become a favorite.

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

Für eine vegane Variante können Sahne und Milch durch ungesüßte pflanzliche Alternativen ersetzt und Parmesan durch Hefeflocken ausgetauscht werden. Zusätzlich lassen sich sautierte Pilze, Erbsen oder Spinat für noch mehr Gemüse hinzugeben. Die Zubereitung kann auch mit Vollkorn- oder glutenfreien Nudeln angepasst werden, ohne Geschmackseinbuß.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Probieren Sie verschiedene Nudelarten wie Spaghetti, Penne oder Fettuccine, um Ihre Lieblingskombination zu finden. Die Zugabe von Zitronenschale verleiht einen frischen Akzent, während gehackte frische Käuter wie Basilikum oder Petersilie das Aroma abrunden. Für eine schärfere Note können Sie optional rote Pfefferflocken verwenden.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie die Pasta sofort, mit extra geriebenem Parmesan, frisch gehackten Kräutern und ein wenig Zitronenzeste bestreut. Ein knackiger grüner Salat oder geröstetes Brot sind ideale Begleiter, um das Mahl abzurunden.

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This Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Pasta is a soulful dish that elevates simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner experience. Whether you're feeding family or craving comfort after a long day, its creamy texture and robust flavors make each bite memorable. Enjoy the ease and elegance of this vibrant recipe that brings out the best of cauliflower in a pasta sauce you'll want to make again and again.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Long pasta shapes such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well, ensuring even coating.

→ How do you achieve a creamy sauce without dairy?

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with unsweetened plant-based alternatives and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a savory touch.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the roasted cauliflower and garlic sauce can be blended and stored refrigerated for up to two days; reheat gently before tossing with pasta.

→ What enhances the flavor of the roasted cauliflower?

Roasting with olive oil, garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper caramelizes the cauliflower, enhancing its natural sweetness and depth.

→ Are there optional garnishes to adjust the flavor?

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes provide freshness, brightness, and mild heat to the dish.