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Cauliflower Pasta

Deliciously Creamy Cauliflower Pasta with Crispy Topping

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Bright and briny roasted cauliflower pasta is a vegetarian delight transformed by crispy toppings and vibrant flavors.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Campanelle Pasta or any short pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin Olive Oil choose quality oil
For the Roasted Cauliflower
  • 1 head Roasted Cauliflower cut into florets
  • 2 cloves Garlic grated for subtle flavor
For the Flavor Boost
  • 2 tablespoons Capers chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest fresh
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley finely chopped
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Seasoned Bread Crumbs homemade or store-bought
  • 1/2 cup Grated Pecorino Cheese or Vegan Parmesan
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust for spice tolerance

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the cauliflower into small florets and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy around the edges, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
  2. While the cauliflower roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the campanelle pasta and cook it until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1¼ cups of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in the pot to keep warm.
  3. To the warm pot of drained pasta, add 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, chopped capers, and grated garlic. Stir in the roasted cauliflower directly from the baking sheet, ensuring everything is well combined.
  4. Pour in half of the reserved pasta water, along with the lemon zest and juice, and the grated Pecorino cheese. Stir vigorously to combine all the ingredients, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
  5. Add the finely chopped parsley and red pepper flakes to the pot, mixing everything until it's evenly distributed.
  6. Spoon the roasted cauliflower pasta into serving bowls and sprinkle generously with the toasted breadcrumbs. For an extra pop of flavor, add additional lemon zest on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

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