Pasta with Cauliflower Currant and Nuts
Transform your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and wholesome Pasta with Cauliflower, Currants, and Nuts recipe—a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. Al dente pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, is tossed with golden, caramelized cauliflower, a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes, and bursts of sweetness from plump currants or raisins. Crunchy toasted pine nuts (or almonds) add a delightful texture, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese ties everything together. A splash of reserved pasta water creates a light, flavorful sauce to coat every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is an elegant yet easy option for meatless Mondays or a cozy family dinner. Keywords: pasta with cauliflower, vegetarian pasta recipe, easy weeknight pasta, sweet and savory pasta dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 4 cups cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.25 cup currants (or raisins)
- 0.25 cup toasted pine nuts (or chopped almonds)
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 0.5 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and cook, stirring often, until they are golden brown and tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Push the cauliflower to the sides of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the center. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, then mix together with the cauliflower.
Stir in the currants and heat for 1-2 minutes until slightly plump.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss everything together to combine. Add additional cooking water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
Stir in the toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1683 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.4 g | 103% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3389 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 199.7 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.8 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.9 g | ||
| Protein | 62.7 g | 125% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 872 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 12.5 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 4256 mg | 91% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
