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.
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:
- 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.
- 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).
- Bake for 25 to 30 mins.
Garlic Pasta:
- Make the pasta according to instructions on the package, drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile blend the rest of the ingredients (except garnish) until smooth. Add to the pan. Increase heat to medium.
- 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.
- 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
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.