Roasted Cauliflower Alfredo (Print Version)

A creamy, lighter Alfredo featuring roasted cauliflower, garlic, and Parmesan served over pasta in just 50 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 3 cloves garlic, peeled

→ Dairy

03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Pasta

06 - 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice

→ Seasonings

07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

10 - Chopped fresh parsley
11 - Additional grated Parmesan

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss cauliflower florets and garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon butter. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until cauliflower is golden and tender.
04 - Meanwhile, cook pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
05 - In a blender, combine roasted cauliflower, garlic, remaining butter, milk, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
06 - Pour sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Heat until just simmering, then add cooked pasta and toss well to coat.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent but sneaks in a full head of cauliflower without anyone noticing.
  • You get that creamy Alfredo satisfaction with way less heaviness afterward.
  • Roasting the garlic with the cauliflower makes it sweet and mellow, not sharp.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour on a weeknight.
02 -
  • Don't skip reserving the pasta water, it's the easiest way to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.
  • Roast the cauliflower until it has real color, pale cauliflower makes a bland sauce.
  • Blend longer than you think you need to, any lumps will ruin the silky Alfredo illusion.
03 -
  • Roast the cauliflower on the top oven rack for the best caramelization and flavor.
  • If your blender struggles, add the milk in two stages to help it get going.
  • Warm your serving bowls beforehand so the pasta stays hot longer at the table.
Go Back