Craving something hearty and delicious? This Creamy Garlic Thyme and Roasted Cauliflower Pasta is the perfect dish for any pasta lover. Packed with flavor, it’s a meal that promises to satisfy your cravings while adding a splash of wholesome charm to your table. Garlic-infused sauce, aromatic thyme, and crispy roasted cauliflower come together to create a symphony of flavors that’ll impress even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients:
- 1 large cauliflower head, chopped into florets
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces of pasta of your choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preparing Your Ingredients
Getting the tastiest results starts with proper preparation. Use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board to prep your cauliflower and garlic. This ensures even cooking and prevents any mishaps while working with potentially slippery ingredients.
Roasting the Cauliflower
To begin, preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Spread the cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season them with salt and pepper. Gently toss to ensure the florets are well coated. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through so they cook evenly until they are golden and slightly crisped.
Creamy Garlic Thyme Sauce
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to saut until fragrant but not browned. Once ready, stir in the fresh thyme, letting its essence weave into the warmth of the garlic. Then begin to pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Reduce the heat to low and allow the cream to warm and thicken slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until a luscious creamy sauce forms.
Bringing It All Together
While the cauliflower finishes roasting and the sauce simmers to perfection, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Once the pasta is al dente, reserve a cup of the pasta water just in case the cream sauce needs a little more liquid depth.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy garlic thyme sauce. Gentle stir the pasta within the sauce ensuring each strand is coated in the creamy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, incorporate some reserved pasta water until your desired sauce consistency is achieved.
Final Steps and Serving
Add the roasted cauliflower to the pasta, bringing all the components of this delightfully indulgent dish together. Stir carefully, ensuring the cauliflower maintains its form within the creamy embrace of garlic and thyme. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished perhaps with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a touch of cracked black pepper.
If you’re looking for more hearty, plant-based dishes, you might enjoy browsing through our Roasted Tomato Veggie Pasta Soup recipes.
Clean Up Tips
After a fulfilling cooking session, tidying up is a necessity. For your skillet, invest in quality cookware care kit to ensure longevity. The cutting board conditioner keeps your board in tip-top shape for all future culinary adventures!
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