Savory Cauliflower Pasta Delight
This Savory Cauliflower Pasta Delight brings together the rich flavors of sautéed garlic, tender cauliflower, and perfectly cooked pasta for a satisfying one-dish meal. Inspired by Mark Bittman's recipe, this version allows for endless customization, whether you want to incorporate protein like shrimp or sausage, or enhance the flavor with anchovies, capers, or red pepper flakes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a grating of Parmesan on top adds the finishing touch. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish takes minimal time to prepare while delivering maximum flavor.
4
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
1 head (about 1 pound) (Trimmed and cut into florets)
Salt
to taste (for boiling)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Olive oil
1/4 cup
Pasta (penne, fusilli, or other cut)
1 pound
Coarse breadcrumbs
1 cup
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Trim the cauliflower and break it into florets.
2
2. Season the boiling water with about a tablespoon of salt, then add the cauliflower and cook until tender but not mushy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked cauliflower to a bowl and let it cool slightly before roughly chopping it into smaller pieces.
3
3. In the same pot of boiling water, add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until just under al dente.
4
4. While the pasta cooks, heat a large deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and olive oil, sautéing gently until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5
5. Once the garlic is ready, add the chopped cauliflower and breadcrumbs to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so everything blends well.
6
6. When the pasta is just shy of full cooking time (2-3 minutes left), drain it, reserving about a cup of the starchy cooking water.
7
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cauliflower mixture. Toss everything together using a large spoon, and drizzle in just enough of the reserved pasta water to moisten the dish without making it soupy. Continue tossing until everything is well combined, and the pasta is tender and shimmering.
8
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of chopped fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
37.5
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cauliflower Pasta Delight?
It is a one-dish meal featuring sautéed garlic, tender cauliflower, and pasta, inspired by a recipe by Mark Bittman.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How long should the cauliflower be boiled?
The cauliflower should be cooked in boiling water for approximately 5-7 minutes until tender but not mushy.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Penne, fusilli, or any other cut pasta works well for this recipe.
Can I add protein to this cauliflower pasta?
Yes, you can easily customize the dish by adding proteins like shrimp or sausage.
Is Savory Cauliflower Pasta Delight vegetarian?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetables, pasta, and breadcrumbs.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What amount of garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What is the purpose of the breadcrumbs in this recipe?
One cup of coarse breadcrumbs is added to the skillet to provide texture and flavor to the pasta mixture.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 main ingredients: cauliflower, salt, black pepper, garlic, olive oil, pasta, and coarse breadcrumbs.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
Reserved pasta water is used to moisten the dish and help the ingredients coat the pasta without making it soupy.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
What are some suggested garnishes for this dish?
You can garnish the pasta with chopped fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.
What is the nutritional fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
This dish provides 7.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor and add heat by incorporating red pepper flakes.
How do I prepare the cauliflower before boiling?
Trim the cauliflower and break it into florets before adding it to the boiling water.
When should I add the pasta to the skillet?
Add the drained pasta to the skillet once it is just under al dente, usually with 2-3 minutes of cooking time remaining.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the work of Mark Bittman.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
How much salt is used in the boiling water?
Use about a tablespoon of salt to season the large pot of boiling water.
What texture should the pasta have when finished?
The pasta should be tender and shimmering after being tossed with the cauliflower mixture and pasta water.
Can I add other salty ingredients to enhance the flavor?
Yes, anchovies or capers are recommended as great flavor-enhancing additions.
What size should I chop the cauliflower into?
After boiling, roughly chop the cauliflower florets into smaller pieces before adding them to the skillet.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and easy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.
What heat level should I use for sautéing garlic?
Use medium-low heat to gently sauté the garlic and prevent it from burning.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before draining?
No, the pasta should be drained when it is just shy of full cooking time so it can finish in the skillet.
Is the dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served hot immediately after preparation.