Cauliflower Garlic Alfredo Linguine
The recipe you'll want to make this Valentine's Day, or any night of the week...
Ah, February - for the shortest month of the year, it can really drag on - the grey skies, the slush, the never-ending subzero temps.
I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day, I think in part due to the fact that it infuses an otherwise depressing month with rosy, candlelit vibes. Restaurants on February 14th, however, are not my favorite. Overcrowded spaces and overpriced prix-fixe menus that hardly ever have a decent plant-based option? No, thank you.
Truth be told, a DIY Valentine’s dinner is way better than dining out (especially in the COVID era). Pick out a great recipe, get in your coziest loungewear, and enjoy a perfect evening couch-side. If you’re looking for something simple, healthy and elevated enough to serve to someone special, don’t sleep on this recipe for Cauliflower Garlic Alfredo. It’s creamy, luscious, and absolutely perfect for a cozy night in (and a total hit with everyone I know who has tried it). I like to pair it with sautéed greens (broccoli rabe is good here, with toasted slivers of garlic and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes) and a glass of something bubbly (Prosecco/Champagne, or seltzer with a splash of pomegranate juice and a twist of lime).
It’s incredible to me that you can achieve a dish that feels utterly indulgent with ingredients that are so good for you. Cauliflower is, of course, having a moment right now, and for good reason! Beyond its versatility, it’s super high in fiber and antioxidants, including sulforaphane - sulforaphane has been shown in studies to have significant cancer preventing/fighting properties, as well as effective in lowering blood pressure and protecting arteries. So, enjoy every last bite of this recipe, guilt-free!
Cauliflower Garlic Alfredo Linguine
Recipe by Lauren Kretzer
Serves 3-4
Ingredients:
5 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 small head, or half a large head)
1 lb linguine pasta
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup cashews
1 ¼ cups water
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 ¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper, plus more to taste
Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 8-9 minutes, or until very soft. Remove cauliflower from the pot with a large slotted spoon or mesh strainer and set aside in a small bowl. Let water continue to boil after cauliflower is removed; add linguine to boiling water and cook according to package directions.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, or until onion is translucent and tender. Remove from heat and transfer onion and garlic mixture to a high-speed blender. Add cooked cauliflower, cashews, water, nutritional yeast, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer cauliflower alfredo sauce back to the saucepan and heat on medium low heat until warmed through. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Once pasta is cooked, strain and return back to large pot. Pour in cauliflower alfredo sauce and gently stir to completely coat pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and black pepper to taste, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes:
Initially, it may seem like there is excess sauce but sauce will thicken upon standing.
Cauliflower Garlic Alfredo will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
A few things I’m into at the moment:
-I’ve mentioned on Instagram that I’m thoroughly obsessed with Yellowjackets - the awesome 90’s soundtrack doesn’t hurt, either. As a friend put it, it’s like Lost with teenage girl angst. (Remember Lost? Oh how I loved that show until they bungled the last season SO BADLY, I’m still not over it.)
-For any fellow moms out there, I’ve been loving everything that Dr. Becky puts out, but this podcast episode especially resonated with me.
-I just invested in a Higher Dose infrared blanket as part of my ongoing healing (and self-care) protocol and can’t wait to let you know my thoughts! I haven’t tried mine yet but already snagged a discount code for you guys: LAURENK15 for 15% off.
-For years, I’ve wanted a winter shoe that wasn’t a sneaker but also goes with everything, semi-stylish and weather proof. Recently got a pair of the vegan Blundstones and I live in them now. Highly recommend!
I want to personally thank you guys for the tremendous support for Plant Magic! A big welcome to all the new subscribers…and thank you SO very much to everyone who has supported my work with a paid subscription.
(If you’re interested in getting MORE Plant Magic, you can still upgrade to a paid subscription!)
Until next time, and a very Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!
Be well,
Lauren