Pasta with Cauliflower and Peas is a quick and easy recipe that falls under its own category here. It is not only a quick dish to make but also calls for simple, easy to find ingredients. I created this category since I have taught my kids (my son is in college while my daughter will be going to college next year) how to cook simple and nutritious food for themselves while they are away from home. The recipes under this category are entirely my own creations, where I have highlighted simplicity and ease. I have drawn inspirations from various cuisines to create this category. This dish is from Italian cuisine where I have created my own sauce and method.
The sauce is made with crushed peanuts, caramelized cauliflower, shallots, and milk. This is a healthy option for pasta sauce. In fact, my kids enjoy something creamy yet nutritious without chunks of vegetables. This sauce can be thickened with cream if you like, but I think that the addition of milk makes it healthier. Other vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, and carrots may also be added. Pasta is one of the favorite dishes in my family.
Pasta with Cauliflower and Peas can be served after having Minestrone Soup with Breadsticks and along with Garlic Focaccia Bread!
Pasta with Cauliflower and Peas
Equipment
- Stovetop
Ingredients
For the pasta sauce:
- 1 lb pasta cooked
- 2 shallots medium, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup milk whole
- ½ cauliflower medium
- ½ peanuts roasted, ground
- 2 ozs butter unsalted
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes julienne
- ½ cup green peas
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
How to make the Pasta with Cauliflower and Peas:
- Heat a Dutch oven. Sauté shallots in butter and olive oil for 4 minutes.
- Then, add the minced garlic and cauliflower florets and sauté for 4 minutes. Add the paprika, salt, and seasoning. Cool and grind with milk and crushed peanuts to make the sauce.
- Sauté the peas and sundried tomatoes for a minute in olive oil, add the cooked pasta, the sauce, and some extra milk if needed. Sauté and serve hot garnished with parmesan cheese.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, then cream would be a good substitute for milk.
- Peanuts are optional. Other nuts such as walnuts or pecans can be used.
Nutrition
so delicious!