Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (about 340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Start by preparing the cauliflower. Cut the head of cauliflower into small florets, discarding the tough stem. Rinse them under cold water and set aside.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to let it brown too much.
Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet and toss them in the garlic-infused butter. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. You can occasionally stir the cauliflower to ensure even cooking.
Once the cauliflower is tender, use a potato masher or fork to gently mash some of the cauliflower in the skillet. You don't need to mash it all; leaving some florets intact adds texture.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes, if needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the cauliflower-Parmesan butter sauce until the pasta is well coated.
Serve your Pasta with Cauliflower-Parmesan Butter hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful pasta dish that combines the earthy taste of cauliflower with the richness of Parmesan and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes!
This Pasta with Cauliflower-Parmesan Butter is a delightful and comforting dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal while indulging in creamy, cheesy goodness.