Penne Pasta in Creamy Cauliflower Sauce Recipe
Elevate your dinner experience with this creamy, comforting, and nutritious Penne Pasta in Creamy Cauliflower Sauce. The rich flavor of roasted cauliflower combines beautifully with the earthiness of zucchini, the crunch of walnuts, and the delicate seasoning of garlic and oregano. This vegetarian dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal or to impress guests at your next gathering. The creamy cauliflower sauce is an excellent alternative to traditional cream-based pasta sauces, making it both delicious and healthy!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 300 grams |
| Green zucchini | 1, cut into diamonds |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Walnuts | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chili | 1, finely chopped (optional) |
| Cauliflower (Gobi) | 1, cut into small florets |
| Milk | 300 ml |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | For seasoning |
| Sunflower oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Italian
Course
Dinner
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by prepping all the ingredients. Cut the cauliflower into small florets and soak them in boiling water for a few minutes to eliminate any impurities. Drain and rinse the florets thoroughly, then set aside.
2. Roast the Cauliflower
In a shallow frying pan, heat a small amount of sunflower oil. Add the finely chopped garlic, followed by the cauliflower florets. Sprinkle some salt over the cauliflower and sauté the mixture until the cauliflower is roasted and lightly charred. This step will bring out a deep, rich flavor in the cauliflower. Once the cauliflower is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool.
3. Blend the Cauliflower Sauce
Once the roasted cauliflower has cooled down, blend it with the milk using a hand blender or a food processor until it forms a smooth, creamy paste. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Your roasted cauliflower sauce is now ready for the pasta!
4. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a teaspoon of salt. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 12-15 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a little sunflower oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking together and set aside.
5. Toast the Walnuts
In a separate pan, toast the walnuts over medium heat until they become crisp and lightly browned. Set aside.
6. Prepare the Zucchini and Combine the Pasta
In a wok or large frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped zucchini and sauté until it’s well roasted and slightly caramelized. Add the roasted cauliflower sauce to the pan along with the cooked penne pasta. Stir in dried oregano and chili flakes (if using) for added flavor.
7. Adjust Sauce Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add a ladle of the reserved pasta cooking water or a little more milk to thin it to your desired consistency. Let the pasta simmer for a few minutes, ensuring that the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
8. Final Touches
Turn off the heat and taste the pasta. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
9. Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top for a satisfying crunch. Serve your Penne Pasta in Creamy Cauliflower Sauce hot, alongside a slice of homemade focaccia bread and a bowl of Cream of Mushroom & Spring Onion Soup for a complete, wholesome dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This Penne Pasta in Creamy Cauliflower Sauce pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for added crunch. For an extra creamy twist, you can sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan or vegan cheese on top.
Enjoy this guilt-free pasta dish that’s packed with vegetables and full of flavor, perfect for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
