Introduction
Roasted cauliflower paired with a rich and creamy sauce makes for a delightful pasta dish that balances both flavor and nutrition. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for impressing guests at a gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a satisfying meal that is both healthy and delicious.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Roasted Cauliflower:
– 2 heads of cauliflower, cut into florets
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Pinch of salt
For the Sauce and Pasta:
– 3/4 cup cashews
– 3/4 cup water
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 jar (25 oz) pasta sauce
– 1 16-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained
– 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta
– Greens for garnishing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Instructions
1. Roast the Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a blender, combine the cashews, water, salt, pasta sauce, and drained roasted red peppers. Blend until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
3. Cook the Pasta: Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta.
4. Combine: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the desired amount of the prepared sauce and most of the roasted cauliflower, reserving some cauliflower for topping.
5. Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates, top with the reserved roasted cauliflower, and garnish with fresh greens.
Note: This recipe yields extra sauce, which can be stored for future use.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Roast the Cauliflower
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely browned.
Prepare the Sauce
In a blender, combine the cashews, water, salt, pasta sauce, and drained roasted red peppers. Blend until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta
Cook the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta.
Combine
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the desired amount of the prepared sauce and most of the roasted cauliflower, reserving some cauliflower for topping.
Serve
Divide the pasta among serving plates, top with the reserved roasted cauliflower, and garnish with fresh greens.
Notes
This recipe yields extra sauce, which can be stored for future use.
Cook techniques
Roasting Cauliflower
To roast cauliflower, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and salt. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and tender.
Blending Sauce
For a creamy sauce, combine cashews, water, salt, pasta sauce, and drained roasted red peppers in a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
Cooking Pasta
Cook whole wheat penne pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water for flavor and cook until al dente, then drain in a colander.
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the desired amount of prepared sauce. Add the majority of the roasted cauliflower, making sure to leave some for topping later.
Garnishing
Serve the pasta in individual bowls, topping each serving with the reserved roasted cauliflower and fresh greens for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use different vegetables instead of cauliflower?
Yes, you can substitute cauliflower with vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.
How do I store leftover sauce?
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I make the sauce nut-free?
Yes, you can omit cashews and use silken tofu or sunflower seeds as an alternative for creaminess.
Is the pasta gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the whole wheat penne with a gluten-free pasta variety.
What greens can I use for garnishing?
You can use any fresh greens such as basil, parsley, arugula, or spinach for garnishing to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Conclusion
This roasted cauliflower pasta dish, featuring a creamy sauce made from cashews and roasted red peppers, offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The wholesome ingredients not only create a satisfying meal but also bring a nutritional boost, making it a perfect addition to your regular dinner rotation. Enjoy the rich taste and health benefits of this simple yet delicious recipe.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Try adding some sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrients.
For a burst of flavor, consider mixing in sun-dried tomatoes or olives.
Incorporate protein by adding chickpeas or grilled chicken to the pasta.
Experiment with different types of whole grain pasta, such as farro or brown rice pasta.
For a cheesy touch, sprinkle nutritional yeast or vegan cheese on top before serving.
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For a gourmet twist, mix in some roasted garlic or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
