Craving the rich, velvety goodness of Alfredo pasta without the heavy calories and gluten? Get ready to revolutionize your pasta night with this ingenious lightened-up recipe that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious! Our magical cauliflower-based sauce transforms a classic comfort food into a nutritious masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing and your body thanking you.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the gluten-free pasta. Ensure you use a clean pot to avoid cross-contamination for gluten-free cooking.
- While water is heating, steam cauliflower florets in a separate pan with vegetable broth until tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add gluten-free pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a blender or food processor, combine steamed cauliflower, remaining vegetable broth, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a light Alfredo-style sauce.
- Drain pasta thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.
- Return drained pasta to the pot and pour cauliflower sauce over, gently tossing to coat evenly. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying a lighter, healthier version of traditional Alfredo pasta.
Tips
- Always rinse gluten-free pasta thoroughly and cook in a clean pot to prevent cross-contamination.
- Steam cauliflower until just tender to maintain the best texture for your sauce.
- Use a high-powered blender for the smoothest, creamiest sauce possible.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- For extra flavor, consider roasting the garlic before blending into the sauce.
- If you prefer a protein boost, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the final presentation and flavor.
- For a richer sauce, you can substitute part of the vegetable broth with unsweetened plant-based milk.
- Ensure nutritional yeast is thoroughly blended to create a smooth, cheesy flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
