Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta
Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that perfectly balances health and flavor. The hearty crunch of roasted cauliflower complements the rich, creamy pesto pasta, making it an ideal choice for cozy dinners or meal prep. This recipe highlights fresh ingredients and allows for easy customization, ensuring everyone at your table will be impressed. Enjoy this vibrant, wholesome dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also nourishes your body.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound pasta (any variety)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh basil
- 1 cup baby arugula or spinach
- 1 jalapeño (optional)
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or pistachios)
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese alternative
- 1/4-1/3 cup canned coconut milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- On a baking sheet, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Add garlic and lemon zest to the cauliflower and roast for another 10 minutes until charred.
- For the pesto, blend basil, arugula/spinach, jalapeño (if using), garlic, lemon juice, nuts, nutritional yeast, and olive oil until smooth.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; reserve some cooking water before draining.
- Combine warm pasta with pesto and coconut milk. Adjust with reserved cooking water as needed.
- Serve pasta topped with roasted cauliflower.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg