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Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower
4.9 from 228 votes

Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower

This recipe pairs roasted cauliflower seasoned with a homemade Cajun spice blend with a garlic-flavored vegan pasta dressed in a creamy almond milk-based sauce thickened with flour and arrowroot starch. The cauliflower florets become tender and flavorful after baking, while the pasta sauce combines sautéed garlic and nutritional yeast for a savory taste and a smooth texture. Fresh herbs garnish the finished dish, bringing brightness to the warm, herb-spiced meal.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 3
Calories: 395 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan, gluten-free

Ingredients

Cajun cauliflower:
  • 1 cauliflower 3 heaping cups, small head; cut into florets
  • 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
Cajun Blend:
  • 2 tsp paprika (I use 1 tsp sweet mild paprika and 1 tsp smoked hot paprika)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or more
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or use more smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp thyme dried
  • 1 tsp oregano dried
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 to 1/2 tsp to preference
Garlic Sauce Pasta:
  • 8 oz penne pasta glutenfree if needed
  • 2 tsp olive oil divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups almond milk unsweetened non dairy milk such as almond milk or soymilk, or use cashew milk for creamier
  • 1 tbsp flour or use rice flour to make gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
  • 10 cloves garlic or saute another 3 cloves instead, roasted
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to 1 tsp
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme + generous dashes of other herbs such as basil, sage, oregano, or more
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 to 3/4 tsp salt or more
  • parsley chopped, for garnish
  • basil chopped, for garnish
  • black pepper or cayenne and lemon juice for garnish

Instructions

Cajun Cauliflower:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Add the Cauliflower florets to a large bowl. Drizzle oil and mix using a spatula or rub it in using hands.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the ingredients under cajun spice blend. Add a bit more paprika if using mild. Sprinkle all over the cauliflower florets and toss to coat. (use 1.5 tbsp or more of premade cajun blend).
  3. Bake for 25 to 30 mins.
Garlic Pasta:
  1. Make the pasta according to instructions on the package, drain and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden, stirring occasionally.
  3. Meanwhile blend the rest of the ingredients (except garnish) until smooth. Add to the pan. Increase heat to medium.
  4. Bring the sauce to a boil stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt and flavor carefully. Simmer for another 2 minutes. You can add in some cajun blend to the sauce as well for additional flavor. Fold in the pasta. Take off heat, cover and let sit for 2 minutes.
  5. To serve, add warm baked Cajun Cauliflower on top. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, some cayenne/pepper and lemon juice.

Notes

  • Mix ground breadcrumbs into the Cajun spice blend before coating cauliflower for a crisper texture.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on preference and quantity of vegetables used.
  • Double the sauce quantity or increase milk to 3 cups for a creamier pasta dish.
  • Adding 1 teaspoon of miso to the sauce enhances its savory depth.
  • For an oil-free version, water-saute garlic for the sauce and lightly coat cauliflower with aquafaba as a binder before seasoning.

Nutrition Information

Calories 395kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 60g (20%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 10g (15%) Sodium 580mg (24%) Potassium 306mg (7%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 1080IU (22%) Vitamin C 21.3mg (24%) Calcium 240mg (24%) Iron 1.6mg (9%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 395

% Daily Value*

Calories 395kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 60g 20%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 10g 15%
Sodium 580mg 24%
Potassium 306mg 7%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 1080IU 22%
Vitamin C 21.3mg 24%
Calcium 240mg 24%
Iron 1.6mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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