Roasted Cauliflower and Capers Spaghetti
Golden roasted cauliflower mingles with briny capers and tender spaghetti for a dish that's both comforting and bright.
Total: 45 minPrep: 15 minCook: 30 min4 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (250+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- 2 Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- 3 In a small pan, sauté minced garlic in remaining olive oil until fragrant.
- 4 Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain spaghetti.
- 5 Combine roasted cauliflower, cooked pasta, sautéed garlic, capers, lemon juice, and Parmesan in a large bowl.
- 6 Add pasta water as needed to create a saucy consistency.
- 7 Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large pot
- Large bowl
Variations
- Add shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
- Substitute lemon juice with a splash of white wine for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute capers with olives if capers are not to your liking.
Pairings
- A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements this dish nicely.
- A lemony sparkling water refreshes the palate.
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
8g fat
Carbs:
55g carbohydrates
Protein:
10g protein
Fiber:
6g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
400mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, toast the capers in the pan with garlic.
- Feel free to add toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a bit of water or olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Pairs well with a simple arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, use frozen cauliflower florets but adjust roasting time to prevent overcooking.