Zesty Cauliflower Pesto Pasta Recipe: A Crispy-Creamy Dream

Roasting cauliflower to crispy perfection unlocks a world of creamy pesto pasta magic that will tantalize your taste buds.

The golden-brown edges of this crispy roasted cauliflower add an irresistible crunch to every delightful bite.

Tender florets caramelize beautifully in the oven, developing deep, nutty flavors that complement the rich, herbaceous pesto sauce.

Weeknight dinners gain excitement with this simple yet sophisticated dish that balances textures and tastes.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients merge seamlessly to create a comforting meal packed with nutrition and bold flavors.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of roasted vegetables and silky pasta that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Get ready to turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration with this mouthwatering recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Crispy Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Pesto Pasta

• Cauliflower Florets: Powerful vegetable that transforms into crispy golden treasures, select fresh and firm heads with bright white color and no brown spots.
• Olive Oil: Helps create magical golden crust and enhances flavor, choose high-quality extra virgin for best results.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and vibrant color, look for rich, deep red varieties.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings subtle heat and exciting kick, select fresh, bright red flakes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates overall taste, use freshly ground for maximum flavor.

• Basil: Aromatic herb that forms pesto's classic foundation, select bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Arugula/Spinach: Adds peppery complexity and boosts nutritional value, choose crisp, vibrant leaves.
• Jalapeño: Optional spicy element for heat lovers, pick firm peppers with deep green color.
• Garlic: Provides intense, robust flavor, choose firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Lemon: Brings bright, zesty notes, select heavy fruits with smooth, shiny skin.
• Toasted Nuts: Adds rich, nutty undertone and creamy texture, choose freshly roasted for maximum crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers salty, umami complexity, opt for authentic, freshly grated varieties.

• Pasta: Serves as delicious base for entire dish, choose high-quality pasta with good texture.
• Coconut Milk: Creates luxurious, creamy sauce, select full-fat version for richest consistency.
• Fresh Herbs: Provides beautiful garnish and extra flavor layer, choose vibrant, crisp herbs.

Kitchen Tools for Creamy Pesto Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting cauliflower evenly.
• Blender or food processor: Essential for creating smooth, creamy pesto sauce.
• Large pot: For cooking pasta to perfect al dente texture.
• Measuring cups: Precise measuring of olive oil and other ingredients.
• Cutting board: Prepare cauliflower and chop herbs safely.
• Sharp knife: Chop cauliflower and herbs with precision.

Making Roasted Cauliflower Pasta with Creamy Pesto

• Cauliflower Preparation

Grab a baking sheet and scatter fresh cauliflower florets across the surface. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with bold spices that will create amazing flavor.

• Roasting Adventure

Send the cauliflower into a sizzling hot oven where magic happens. The intense heat transforms these humble florets into golden, crispy bites with deep caramelized edges.

• Pesto Creation

Toss fresh herbs, garlic, and nutty ingredients into a blender. Pulse until a vibrant green sauce emerges with rich, complex flavors that will make taste buds dance.

• Pasta Transformation

Cook pasta until perfectly tender. Mix the silky noodles with creamy pesto, allowing each strand to become coated in herbaceous goodness.

• Final Touch

Arrange pasta in beautiful bowls. Crown the dish with those crunchy roasted cauliflower pieces. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra zest.

Tips to Enhance Your Creamy Pesto Cauliflower Pasta

• Learn techniques to achieve maximum crispiness by cutting florets uniformly and spreading them without overcrowding the baking sheet for perfect caramelization.
• Swap basil with alternative herbs like cilantro, mint, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences and ingredient availability.
• Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, seared shrimp, crispy tofu, or white beans for extra protein and nutritional complexity without compromising the recipe's core essence.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating red pepper flakes and jalapeño, or increase them for a more intense kick depending on personal heat tolerance and preference.
• Replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan alternatives to make the recipe completely plant-based while maintaining rich, cheesy undertones.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Create a vibrant bowl with the golden-brown cauliflower nestled atop the creamy green pesto pasta, highlighting the beautiful color contrast and textures.
• Protein Power-Up: Sprinkle grilled chicken strips or crispy chickpeas over the dish for added protein and a satisfying crunch that complements the roasted cauliflower.
• Mediterranean Twist: Scatter some crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to bring a Mediterranean flair and extra zesty flavor profile to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which will beautifully balance the rich pesto and highlight the roasted cauliflower's smoky notes.

Storing Creamy Pesto Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Refrigerator Ready: Store leftover pasta and cauliflower separately in airtight containers for maximum freshness, keeping them viable for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Friendly: Pesto sauce can be frozen in small portions using ice cube trays, perfect for future quick meal additions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Keep roasted cauliflower and pasta separate to maintain crispiness, combining just before serving to prevent soggy textures. Reheat cauliflower in the oven for renewed crunchiness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare roasted cauliflower and pesto sauce in advance during weekend cooking sessions. These components can be stored separately, allowing quick weeknight meal assembly with minimal effort.

Golden Roasted Cauliflower with Herbal Pesto Pasta

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy roasted cauliflower with creamy pesto pasta delivers Mediterranean-inspired comfort in one delightful dish. Herbal pesto mingles with golden cauliflower, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 lb (454 g) pasta, any variety
• 1 ½ cups fresh basil
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup baby arugula, spinach, or a mix
• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 2 tsps smoked paprika
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ¼–⅓ cup canned full-fat coconut milk (or cream/milk of choice)
• ¼ cup toasted nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, or pistachios)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 jalapeño, seeded (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Roasting Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F with rack centered, ensuring optimal heat distribution for crispy cauliflower transformation.
2. Cauliflower Seasoning: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoky spices, and seasoning, creating a uniform, flavorful coating on a spacious baking sheet.
3. Flavor Intensification: Roast cauliflower for 20-25 minutes, sprinkling minced garlic and citrus zest midway to caramelize and enhance depth of flavor, developing golden-brown crispy edges.
4. Pesto Creation: Blend basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth, creating a vibrant and aromatic sauce with rich, complex undertones.
5. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in generously salted boiling water until al dente, reserving starchy cooking liquid for sauce consistency.
6. Sauce Assembly: Return pasta to warm pot, incorporating pesto, coconut milk, and reserved pasta water, gently folding to achieve a creamy, luxurious coating.
7. Final Presentation: Plate pasta, top with roasted cauliflower, garnish with fresh herbs, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Maximize Crispiness: Ensure cauliflower pieces are thoroughly dry before roasting to achieve golden, crunchy edges.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy cooking liquid as a secret weapon for creating perfectly creamy, well-emulsified sauce.
• Flavor Layering: Caramelize garlic and citrus zest midway through roasting to intensify depth and complexity of taste.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve ideal sauce texture, preventing it from becoming too thick or thin.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg