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Easy Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Pasta with Walnuts photo

Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Pasta with Walnuts

This Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Pasta is creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads garlic top quarter cut off to expose cloves
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves pinch
  • 1 head cauliflower (2 lbs)
  • sea salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice plus extra
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
  • 1 lb short brown rice pasta such as penne or fusilli
  • 2-3 handfuls baby arugula
  • 1/4 cup walnut halves toasted and chopped

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Pasta Pot
  • Food Processor
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the two heads of garlic in aluminum foil, making sure they’re tightly sealed. Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
  2. While the garlic is roasting, chop the cauliflower into florets. Toss the florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and black pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  3. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the short brown rice pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  4. Once the garlic and cauliflower are done roasting, let them cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a food processor. Add the roasted cauliflower, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and remaining olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the roasted garlic and cauliflower sauce. Toss well to coat. Add the arugula and toasted walnuts, mixing gently. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Serve warm, garnished with extra walnuts and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth to the sauce.
  • This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.