Description
This plant-forward pasta dish is a comforting masterpiece that combines the nutty sweetness of roasted cauliflower with a luxurious, velvety red pepper and cashew sauce. It is a perfect balance of textures, featuring charred cauliflower florets, hearty whole-wheat penne, and a creamy, dairy-free sauce that achieves restaurant-quality flavor in minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe is wholesome, satisfying, and sophisticated enough to impress any guest.
Ingredients
2 heads of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
1/2 cup tomato arrabbiata sauce
1 pound whole-wheat penne pasta
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
Fresh parsley for garnish
Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and sea salt on a large baking sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and crispy.
While cauliflower roasts, boil a large pot of salted water and cook penne according to package directions.
Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender with the roasted red peppers, arrabbiata sauce, garlic, and nutritional yeast.
Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
In a large skillet, heat the sauce gently over low heat.
Drain the pasta and toss it into the skillet with the sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Fold in the roasted cauliflower florets.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Soak cashews in boiling water for at least 30 minutes to ensure a silky sauce texture. You can substitute arrabbiata with a mild marinara if you prefer less heat. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg