Description
This Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower is a flavorful and wholesome dish perfect for any occasion. Tender cauliflower florets coated in Cajun spices pair beautifully with a creamy garlic sauce, creating a comforting yet nutrient-packed meal. It’s fully plant-based, customizable, and suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Units
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For the Cajun Cauliflower:
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use rice flour for gluten-free)
- 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta of choice (regular, whole-grain, or gluten-free)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cajun Cauliflower:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and the Cajun spice mix (smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper).
- Spread the cauliflower evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- While the cauliflower roasts, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Make the Garlic Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the plant-based milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the nutritional yeast, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency, if needed.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Toss the cooked pasta with the garlic sauce until well coated.
- Serve the pasta topped with roasted Cajun cauliflower. Garnish with fresh parsley.