Ingredients
2 heads of cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil + pinch of salt
3/4 cup cashews
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 jar (25 oz) pasta sauce
1 jar (16 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
1 pound whole wheat penne pasta
Fresh greens for garnish (parsley, basil, or arugula)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- In a blender, combine cashews, water, salt, pasta sauce, and roasted red peppers. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, mix cooked pasta with the red pepper cashew sauce. Stir over low heat until coated and warmed through.
- Top with roasted cauliflower and garnish with fresh greens before serving.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra spice.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Swap cauliflower with broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
Stir in sautéed spinach, kale, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting & Blending
- Cuisine: Fusion/Plant-Based
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg