Penne with Roasted Cauliflower

Elevate your weeknight pasta game with this Penne with Roasted Cauliflower, a simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s both hearty and refined. Tender penne pasta is tossed with golden, caramelized cauliflower florets roasted to perfection, then infused with the irresistible aroma of sautéed garlic and a hint of zesty lemon. A touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley complete this dish, creating a light, citrusy sauce that balances rich, nutty notes. Perfect for a vegetarian dinner or an easy side, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re seeking comfort food or a wholesome, veggie-forward meal, this pasta delivers in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 head cauliflower
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and place them on the baking sheet.

Step 3

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cauliflower, and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 4

Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and tender.

Step 5

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 6

While the pasta cooks, thinly slice the garlic cloves. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 7

Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. If desired, stir in the red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Step 8

Add the roasted cauliflower to the skillet and toss with the garlic.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked penne pasta. Add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to create a light sauce.

Step 10

Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 12

Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and an extra drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Step 13

Serve immediately and enjoy your Penne with Roasted Cauliflower!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1131.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2226.4

Total Fat 88.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 80mg	0%
Sodium 3460.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 287.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.2g	0%
Total Sugars 12.8g
Protein 87.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1065.5mg	0%
Iron 16.0mg	0%
Potassium 2710.8mg	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: 34.5%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 50.2%