vegetable pasta sauce

Creamy Cauliflower Parmesan Pasta Sauce

A creamy cauliflower parmesan pasta sauce blended smooth with garlic for a vegetable-forward dinner that still feels comforting.

10Prep min
25Cook min
35Total min
4 servingsYield
Creamy cauliflower parmesan pasta sauce with herbs
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Recipe card

Creamy Cauliflower Parmesan Pasta Sauce

35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook cauliflower in salted water until very tender, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.

  2. 2

    Cook pasta in the same water until al dente, reserving 1 cup cooking water.

  3. 3

    Blend cauliflower with olive oil, garlic, parmesan, milk and 1/3 cup pasta water until very smooth.

  4. 4

    Pour the sauce into a skillet and warm gently. Add pasta and toss.

  5. 5

    Adjust with more pasta water and season with salt and pepper.

Helpful notes

  • Blend the cauliflower while hot for the smoothest texture.
  • Add pasta water gradually because cauliflower thickness varies.

Short pasta shapes work especially well. Finish with parsley and extra parmesan.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.