Penne Pasta in Creamy Cauliflower Sauce
This delicious Penne Pasta in Creamy Cauliflower Sauce is a wholesome and comforting dish that combines the goodness of cauliflower with the richness of a creamy sauce. The roasted cauliflower is blended with milk to create a creamy, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the al dente penne pasta, making this a satisfying vegetarian dinner option.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 300 grams Durum Wheat Penne Pasta
- 1 Green zucchini, cut into diamonds
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Walnuts
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 Green chili
- For the Cauliflower Sauce:
- 1 Cauliflower (gobi), cut into small florets
- 300 ml Milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper powder, for seasoning
- Oil, for cooking
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Instructions
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Prep the Cauliflower: Begin by cutting the cauliflower into small florets. Soak them in boiling water for a few minutes to eliminate any impurities, then wash thoroughly and drain.
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Roast the Cauliflower: Heat a shallow frying pan with some oil. Add the garlic and cauliflower florets, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until the cauliflower is roasted and has a slightly charred appearance. Set it aside to cool.
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Blend the Sauce: Once the roasted cauliflower has cooled, blend it with milk using a hand blender until smooth and creamy. Check the seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed. Your creamy cauliflower sauce is now ready.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt. Add the penne pasta and cook it for 12-15 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle some oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking together.
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Toast the Walnuts: In a small pan, toast the walnuts until crispy. Set them aside.
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Sauté Zucchini: Heat some oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and zucchini, roasting until the zucchini is tender and browned.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the zucchini is cooked, add the cauliflower sauce, cooked penne pasta, chili flakes, and oregano. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of pasta water or milk to reach your desired consistency. Let everything simmer for a few minutes until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
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Final Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls, sprinkle with toasted walnuts, and serve hot.
For a complete meal, serve this Penne Pasta in Creamy Cauliflower Sauce with homemade focaccia bread and a creamy mushroom & spring onion soup.
Enjoy your comforting and healthy dinner!
