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Creamy cauliflower rigatoni pasta

Creamy Cauliflower Rigatoni Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy Cauliflower Rigatoni Pasta is a comforting vegetarian dish that's easy to make for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 head Cauliflower chopped
  • 1 Onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic crushed
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 pinch Chili Flakes adjust to taste
  • 4 cups Stock/Water
  • 1 cup Cream heavy or whipping cream
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Topping
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 cup Fresh Breadcrumbs ciabatta or crusty bread
  • to taste Parmesan optional
  • to taste Fresh Parsley for garnish
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rigatoni Pasta or other pasta shapes

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • immersion blender
  • large pot
  • separate frying pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add 3 crushed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch of chili flakes. Cook for another 1 minute.
  3. Stir in 1 head of chopped cauliflower and continue sautéing for about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable stock or water, season with salt and pepper, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes until the cauliflower is fork-tender.
  5. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and blend the mixture until smooth and velvety.
  6. In a separate frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add 1 cup of fresh breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring until golden.
  7. In a large pot, bring salted water to boil, add 12 ounces of rigatoni pasta, and cook according to package instructions.
  8. Return the drained rigatoni to the pot, pour the creamy cauliflower sauce over, and toss everything together.
  9. Serve in bowls, topped with crispy breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.

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