Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stared at a head of cauliflower and thought, "Pasta, anyone?" Honestly, this cauliflower pasta recipe will change your life. It's seriously creamy and packed with flavor.

Brief Overview

This dish takes humble ingredients and transforms them into italian-inspired comfort food. think cucina povera but with a modern twist.

It's super easy , taking about 55 minutes from start to finish, and serves about 4 people.

Main Benefits

This pasta is packed with nutrients and is one of many healthy pasta recipes . it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

What makes it special? the toasted breadcrumbs add a crunch that just makes everything sing.

Okay, let's whip up a batch of good enough to make even gordon ramsay crack a smile. this creamy cauliflower pasta recipe delivers big flavor, i love to use it as a meal idea dairy free .

Time to Make Some Magic: The Ingredients

You will need some ingredients like good pasta and pasta sauce recipes dairy free . This is important if you have a dairy intolerance. Don't worry, this is easy and tastes amazing!

Why Cauliflower Pasta is My Go-To

I remember when i first tried this recipe. honestly, i wasn't sure about cauliflower pasta . then, i roasted the cauliflower.

It smelled incredible. my whole family loved it. this is cauliflower pasta with breadcrumbs .

How to Achieve Perfect Cauliflower Pasta

The secret? don't skip the breadcrumbs. they really make the dish. they add an extra level of flavour that is just amazing.

Also, roast the cauliflower until it's slightly browned. that's where the magic happens.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up? use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan cauliflower pasta . add some spinach for extra nutrients.

Or use pecorino romano instead of parmesan cheese. there are so many ways to customise it and i use this recipe to deliver easy healthy sauces

Honestly, this recipe is a game-changer. It's simple, delicious, and relatively healthy. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta with Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower (approx. 2 lbs / 900g), cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (120 ml)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (25g), plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30 ml) (Optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat) (1g)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (60g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1g)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (1g)
• 1 pound (450g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast until tender and slightly browned.
• While the cauliflower roasts, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
• While the cauliflower roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, and oregano. Cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside.
• Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer about two-thirds of the cauliflower to a blender or food processor. Add vegetable broth, parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Add the blended cauliflower sauce to the cooked pasta in the pot. Add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Toss to coat. Stir in the remaining roasted cauliflower florets. Serve immediately, topped with toasted breadcrumbs and extra parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:18g

Fiber:7g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Italian

Ingredients & Equipment For Your New Favourite Pasta

Okay, let's talk ingredients! this cauliflower pasta is seriously good. it's like a warm hug in a bowl. honestly, i've made this recipe so many times, tweaking it here and there.

Now, i'm sharing the gold standard. get ready for a tasty experience.

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list. Don't skimp on the cauliflower. It’s the star.

• Cauliflower: 1 large head (approx. 2 lbs / 900g ), cut into florets. Look for a firm, white head. Avoid ones with brown spots!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) for roasting cauliflower, 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) for breadcrumbs.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 3g ) for cauliflower, 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ) for breadcrumbs.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ) for cauliflower. Freshly ground is always better, right?
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced for cauliflower, 2 cloves , minced for breadcrumbs. The aroma is so good.
• Vegetable Broth: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ). You can totally use chicken broth if you aren’t going vegetarian or vegan.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup ( 25g ), grated, plus more for serving. Go for the real stuff, not the powdered kind.
• Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) (Optional). This makes it extra lush, but not essential! It works wonders with other Pasta Sauce Recipes Dairy Free !
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ) (Optional). Adds a nice kick.
• Lemon Juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon . Adds brightness!
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup ( 60g ). These get super crispy! I've even used gluten-free breadcrumbs for a Gluten Free Sauce Recipes version.
• Dried Oregano: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g )
• Pasta: 1 pound ( 450g ) (penne, rigatoni, or your fave shape).

Seasoning Notes

This is where the magic happens. A solid spice blend makes the roasted cauliflower pasta something special.

Essential spice combo? garlic, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes. yum! for easy healthy sauces , lemon juice is your best friend.

It brightens everything up. don’t have oregano? thyme works too. a little different but still delish.

Equipment Needed

Don’t need anything too fancy. Simplicity is key.

• Large Baking Sheet.
• High-Speed Blender or Food Processor. Honestly, this is a total game-changer. It is what makes my Creamy cauliflower pasta recipe work.
• Large Pot.
• Large Skillet.

No fancy blender? a regular one will do. just blend a little longer. this easy weeknight pasta dinners recipe is adaptable.

I remember once, i didn't have a baking sheet. i used a large casserole dish instead. it worked just fine.

This healthy pasta recipes is all about working with what you have.

Let's Get Saucy: Creamy Cauliflower Pasta, Simplified!

Okay, let's whip up a batch of cauliflower pasta ! honestly, this is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a total kitchen wizard.

We're taking humble cauliflower and turning it into something seriously delicious. think comforting, creamy, and surprisingly healthy! even better: it is one of the easy weeknight pasta dinners .

Trust me, even the fussiest eaters will be asking for seconds.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: mise en place is key. that's chef talk for "get your stuff together!" chop your cauliflower into florets – about 2 pounds should do it.

Mince 4 cloves of garlic (divided), grate 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese , and measure out 1/2 cup of vegetable broth .

For the breadcrumbs, have your 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs ready to go. oh, and don't forget the 2 tablespoons of olive oil for both roasting and breadcrumbs!

Roasting to Perfection: Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil , 1/2 teaspoon salt , 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , and 2 minced garlic cloves .
3. Spread it on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for about 30- 35 minutes , until tender and slightly browned.
5. While that is roasting, begin to cook your 1 pound of pasta . Reserve 1/4 cup of the water .

Sauce Magic and Crispy Crunch

1. In a pan add 2 tablespoons of olive oil then add 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs , add your remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic , 1/4 teaspoon of salt , and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano , heat until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. Blend about two-thirds of the roasted cauliflower with 1/2 cup of vegetable broth , 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese , optional 2 tablespoons of heavy cream , optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes , and the juice of 1/2 a lemon until smooth.
3. Combine the sauce, cooked pasta, and remaining roasted cauliflower. Top with breadcrumbs.

Pro Tips for Cauliflower Pasta Glory

Don't be shy with the roasting. a little browning equals big flavor. hot pasta water is your new best friend – it helps the sauce cling! season to taste.

And honestly? the toasted breadcrumbs are non-negotiable. they add the perfect crunch, taking this cauliflower pasta from "meh" to "omg!".

Also, pasta sauce recipes dairy free are so common that you can probably easily swap it out with something else.

This creamy cauliflower pasta recipe is a game-changer. Whether you're looking for easy healthy sauces or just a comforting bowl of pasta, this is it! It's one of my favourite meal ideas dairy free ! And the toasted breadcrumbs? Forget about it, adds such a amazing texture and flavor! Give it a whirl!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Cauliflower Pasta

Okay, let's whip up a batch of recipe notes good enough to make even gordon ramsay crack a smile. cauliflower pasta sounds fancy, but trust me, it's dead easy.

I've made this a bunch of times, and i've got some killer tips to share! honestly, you'll be hooked.

Serving Like a Pro

• Plating and presentation ideas

Alright, presentation time! you know, we eat with our eyes first. a dollop of extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders.

For a bit of extra pizzazz, toast some pine nuts and scatter them on top. pair it with a simple green salad – something light and lemony.

Chef's kiss! and if you’re feeling extra fancy, a chilled glass of pinot grigio seals the deal.

Storing Your Leftovers - Like a Boss

So, you made too much creamy cauliflower pasta ? no sweat! it keeps well. just pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge for up to three days .

For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works, but honestly, a pan on the hob with a splash of water is better.

Freezing isn’t really recommended – the sauce can get a bit weird.

Mix It Up! Variations on a Theme

• 1-2 dietary adaptations
• Seasonal ingredient swaps

Fancy a tweak? no problem. okay, let's whip up a batch of good enough to make even gordon ramsay crack a smile , for a vegan cauliflower pasta , swap out the parmesan for nutritional yeast and use a plant-based cream – oat cream is amazing.

In the summer, try adding some roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of chilli flakes adds a nice kick.

You know, the joy of cooking is making it your own.

Fueling Your Body: Nutrition Basics

• Simplified nutrition information
• Key health benefits

This isn’t just delicious; it's good for you too! cauliflower is packed with fibre and vitamins. each serving clocks in at around 450 calories.

Plus, it's got a decent amount of protein and healthy fats. this healthy pasta recipes dish is an excellent source of antioxidants, so you’re basically giving your body a massive hug from the inside.

Easy healthy sauces are all the range right now, and this one hits the spot.

Making this cauliflower pasta is way easier than it sounds. just remember to roast that cauliflower until it’s nice and brown – that's where the flavour is.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices, and most importantly, have fun! i promise, you’ll be making this easy weeknight pasta dinners over and over again.