> Skip to content

Recipe  •  21 July 2023

 

Cauliflower-Garlic Sauce

A decadent sauce that pairs well with any pasta.

When I make fresh pasta with my family, this is the sauce we use most often. It’s simple, comes together quickly, and tastes great, which is exactly what you’re looking for after allt hat kneading and rolling. This sauce uses a big spoonful of pasta water, the starchy, salty water that develops after the pasta cooks in it. Pasta water adds a richness to any sauce, helping to thicken it; it’s also a key player in getting the sauce to adhere to the noodles.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4 - 6

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 large cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 1 pound (454 g) pasta of choice
  • ½ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

METHOD

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 8 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic just starts to brown, about 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the cauliflower. Cover the pan and cook until the cauliflower is soft and tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. When the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to recipe or package directions, then drain, reserving some of the pasta water.
  6. Add ¼ cup (60 ml) pasta water to the cauliflower and stir. Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Add the Parmesan, then mix everything together until the cheese melts (see Tip).
  7. Serve with additional Parmesan sprinkled on top if desired.

Tip: If you’re having trouble mixing everything in the pan, transfer to a large bowl.

Feature Title

More features

See all recipes
Recipe
Pasta Spirals

Get artistic with your pasta!

Recipe
Beet Pasta Dough

Give your pasta dough a new colour, texture and flavourful dimension

Recipe
Chickpea arrabbiata

Fast, spicy and delicious, this is the perfect midweek meal to put a smile on your face.

Recipe
Spinach, mushroom and goat cheese toast

There’s something timeless about a tartine – a rustic slice of golden, toasted sourdough bread topped with simple yet vibrant ingredients. Just three ingredients have the power to create flavours that are earthy, tangy and satisfyingly rich.

Recipe
Candied Orange Peel Chocolate Babkas

This babka recipe brings together the classic combination of chocolate and orange, creating a sweet, comforting dessert bread. The candied orange peel adds a delightful contrasting texture to this sweet and soft loaf.

Recipe
Onigiri (rice balls)

Onigiri is real soul food. It’s perfect for picnics, weekend activities and family car journeys. Use this recipe to make as many onigiri as your heart desires, with filling or without (shio-nigiri).

Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Meatball Traybake

Hidden in these meatballs from Jamie Oliver are cannellini beans for an added fibre bonus. Using an old friend like meatballs to get some beans into your life is a tasty, nutritious win.

Recipe
Gimme S'more Cake

Britney sang it and I (mis)heard it.

Recipe
Olive Oil Cake with Peaches and Cream

Make this stunning cake and wow your guests at your next summer gathering; the cake is moist from the olive oil and stacked high with your choice of either whipped cream or buttercream, and fresh peaches.

Recipe
Basil, Courgette and Pistachio Pasta

The perfect quick summer meal, this simple pasta dish uses only a few simple ingredients but is packed with bright, herby flavours.

Recipe
Triple Garlic Crispy Chicken with Green Rice and Sauce

Full of depth and umami flavours, this crispy chicken is paired with a light herb sauce and a punchy garlic sauce to make an unbelievably tasty meal.

Recipe
Tropical Prawns with Plantain and Pickled Shallots

This colourful Brazilian recipe from Ixta Belfrage combines juicy prawns with plantain in a rich and deeply flavourful prawn oil. If you're looking for the perfect starter for hosting, look no further.

Looking for more recipes?

See all recipes
penguin pop image
penguin pop image