Mark Bittman's Pasta with Cauliflower

Mark Bittman's Pasta with Cauliflower is a simple yet sophisticated dish that transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. This recipe combines golden caramelized cauliflower, aromatic garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a delicate kick, all brought together with perfectly al dente pasta. A touch of starchy pasta water creates a light, silky sauce, enhanced with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for creaminess. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this quick and easy pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or an elegant meal on short notice. Serve it piping hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley, for a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Perfect for vegetarian dining, this cauliflower pasta recipe is a delicious and wholesome way to elevate your pasta game.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• 1 head Cauliflower
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves
• 0.5 teaspoons Red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the cauliflower. Cut the cauliflower into small florets and discard the core.

Step 3

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is golden brown and caramelized.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not burned.

Step 5

Add the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to soften slightly.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cauliflower mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit more pasta water as needed.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately, with additional Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1063.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1291.8

Total Fat 73.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 3963.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 46.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 644.4mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 2096.8mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.7%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 36.4%