Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower and Parmesan

Instead of tomato-based or pesto sauces, switch it up with this creamy, garlicky roasted cauliflower and Parmesan pasta dish that almost feels like a mac and cheese hack!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 333 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, or more to taste
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 2

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.

Step 3

Toss cauliflower with garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread out in an even layer on a baking sheet.

Step 4

Roast in the preheated oven, tossing at least twice, until cauliflower is tender, about 30 minutes.

Step 5

Mix Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl; set aside.

Step 6

Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. Transfer pasta to a serving bowl and add cauliflower and butter. Stir in cooking water, a little at a time, until desired creaminess is reached. Add lemon juice and bread crumb mixture, toss, and serve.