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Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower - Discover this incredible Red Pepper Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower. A creamy, dreamy, and easy weeknight meal

Creamy Red Pepper Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower

This red pepper pasta with roasted cauliflower offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. It's a vibrant, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The sweetness of roasted red peppers combined with creamy cashews creates a luscious sauce that coats tender pasta and savory roasted cauliflower. The inclusion of roasted cauliflower adds a wonderful texture and depth of flavor, making this red pepper pasta dish both nourishing and incredibly delicious
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup cashews
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 jar (25 oz) pasta sauce
  • 1 16-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained
  • 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta
  • Fresh greens for garnishing

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and tender.
  2. While cauliflower roasts, blend the 3/4 cup cashews, 3/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 jar pasta sauce, and 1 jar drained roasted red peppers in a blender until completely smooth and creamy. This creates the luscious sauce!
  3. Cook 1 pound whole wheat penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  4. Drain the pasta and toss it with a generous amount of the creamy red pepper sauce. Use as much sauce as you like; leftovers are great too!
  5. Add most of the roasted cauliflower to the pasta and sauce mixture, tossing gently to combine.
  6. Serve the pasta topped with the reserved roasted cauliflower florets and a garnish of fresh greens for a beautiful finish.

Notes

- For an extra kick, use a spicy arrabbiata pasta sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce blend.
- Ensure your cashews are soaked or blended thoroughly for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Roast the cauliflower until it's nicely caramelized for the best flavor and texture.