Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

Imagine sinking your fork into silky strands of pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce made from roasted cauliflower and garlic. This Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Garlic Pasta combines the comforting textures of a classic Italian-inspired main dish with the wholesome flavors of tender vegetables and fresh herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it brings warmth and satisfaction to your table without fuss.

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This dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort food and nutritious veggies. The gentle roast enhances the natural sweetness of the cauliflower and mellows the garlic, creating a harmonious sauce base that's both hearty and light. Finished with parmesan and fresh herbs, it offers a subtle complexity that delights every bite.

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

Das Vorheizen des Backofens auf eine hohe Temperatur sorgt für eine schöne Röstung der Blumenkohlröschen und des Knoblauchs. Das gleichzeitige Kochen der Pasta spart Zeit. Verwenden Sie den aufgehobenen Pastawasseranteil, um die Sauce perfekt cremig zu machen und die Konsistenz nach Bedarf anzupassen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine vegane Variante ersetzen Sie Sahne und Milch durch ungesüßte pflanzliche Alternativen und verwenden Hefeflocken anstelle von Parmesan. Zusätzlich können Sie sautierte Pilze, Erbsen oder Spinat hinzufügen, um das Gericht noch gemüsiger zu machen. Auch Vollkorn- oder glutenfreie Pasta sind gut geeignet.

Serviervorschläge

Dieses Gericht schmeckt hervorragend mit extra frisch geriebenem Parmesan, gehackten frischen Kräutern wie Petersilie oder Basilikum und einer Prise Zitronenschale für einen frischen Kontrast. Für etwas Schärfe können optional rote Pfefferflocken darübergestreut werden.

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Mit seiner unkomplizierten Zubereitung und dem köstlichen Ergebnis ist diese cremige Blumenkohl-Knoblauch-Pasta ein Favorit für alle, die genussvolle vegetarische Gerichte lieben. Gönnen Sie sich diesen geschmackvollen Komfort, der schnell auf dem Tisch steht und alle begeistern wird.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Long strands like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are ideal as they hold the creamy roasted cauliflower sauce well.

→ Can the roasted cauliflower sauce be prepared in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be roasted and blended a day ahead. Reheat gently before combining with pasta to preserve the creamy texture.

→ How can I make the sauce silkier?

Adjust the sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water gradually while stirring until it reaches the desired smoothness.

→ Are there suitable alternatives for parmesan cheese?

Nutritional yeast can be used as a plant-based alternative for a similar savory depth, perfect for vegan preferences.

→ What herbs enhance the flavor best?

Fresh parsley or basil provide aromatic freshness that beautifully complements the roasted cauliflower and garlic flavors.