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    Home » soy free

    Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower

    Published: Jun 14, 2017 · Modified: Sep 8, 2018 by Richa 142 Comments

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe

    Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower. Cauliflower is tossed in homemade Cajun spice blend and baked, then served over easy creamy Garlic sauce Penne Pasta. Vegan Garlic Pasta Recipe. Can be Nut-free gluten-free.   Jump to Recipe   

    Creamy Garlic Penne with Cajun Cauliflower in a shallow Bowl with Green Napkin

    This Easy Pasta comes together quickly and makes an amazing meal. Toss the Cauliflower in Cajun spice blend and put it in the oven to bake. Boil the pasta, simmer the sauce to thicken and fold in the pasta. Put it all together, garnish with parsley or basil. Perfect!

    This dish came about when I remembered some friends had recommended a dish with Cajun chikin over Creamy pasta (way back when). It was a popular dish at a neighboring restaurant. For a vegan version of that dish, I made this creamy garlicky pasta sauce with roasted and minced garlic, which makes a great pasta by itself or can be used as a garlic mac and cheese sauce. The Cajun spice blend is magic. Rub it all over the cauliflower, bake and try not to eat the entire helping.

    The baked Cajun Cauliflower is amazing! Make just that and serve it with a cooling dip as a starter or appetizer. The garlic sauce is easy and cheesy. Add elbows to it and make into a mac bake, covered with breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika or some of the cajun blend. So much Flavor!

    Roasted Cajun Cauliflower Over Penne

    Video:

    There is a good amount of Paprika in the spice blend. Paprika when the heat not labelled can be mild or hot, so use the spice accordingly. You can always add in more of the paprika or cayenne for heat later. This pasta is best served hot as the cauliflower is crisp right after baking but will soften once it cools completely. Add some breadcrumbs for crispier cauliflower.


    If you use other veggies or double the recipe, also double the spice mix to adjust. Use cashew milk for creamiest result. To make nut-free, use soy-milk or use my potato carrot cheese sauce with the spices+herbs. To make this oil free, use aquafaba instead of oil to bake the cauliflower. 

    Don’t have roasted garlic, just use more garlic when saute-ing, atleast 6 total cloves. 

    More Pastas from the blog

    • Cauliflower Parmesan Pasta Bake – sliced cauliflower, baked then dressed in vegan mozz and baked over pasta
    • Pumpkin Sage Pasta with pumpkin cream sauce and crisp Sage 
    • Black pepper Mac and Cheese with Potato Carrot Cheese Sauce
    • Chickpea Chorizo, Quinoa shells in tomato sauce. GF
    • Zesty Pesto Pasta with chard and zucchini

    Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower. Cauliflower is tossed in homemade cajun spice blend and baked, then served over easy creamy Garlic sauce Penne Pasta. Vegan Recipe. Can be Nut-free gluten-free | VeganRicha.com

    If you make this recipe, do let me know in the comments and rate the recipe. Tag me on Instagram. For video recipes, head on over to my Youtube Channel.

    Tips to make this Recipe work for you:

    1. Watch the heat. Smoked paprika can be really hot depending on brand, use less or use sweet paprika and reduce cayenne and pepper for heat in the Cajun Blend. 
    2. The sauce is a mild flavored sauce to balance the cajun blend. For additional flavor in the sauce, add some cajun blend, add some more herbs, add a tsp of miso. The right amount of salt int he sauce will also be helpful to bring out the overall flavors. Adjust to preference. 
    3. For creamier dish, reduce the pasta amount or double the sauce. You can also use vegan alfredo with the pasta
    4. Watch the salt. Premade cajun blend can already have salt. Adjust accordingly. 

    Creamy Garlic Sauce Penne pasta with Roasted Cauliflower in a Bowl

    Print Recipe
    4.84 from 67 votes

    Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower

    Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower. Cauliflower is tossed in homemade cajun spice blend and baked, then served over easy creamy Garlic sauce Penne Pasta. Vegan Recipe. Can be Nut-free gluten-free.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time35 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: Glutenfree, Vegan
    Keyword: cajun cauliflower, vegan cajun chicken pasta
    Servings: 3
    Calories: 395kcal
    Author: Vegan Richa

    Ingredients

    Cajun cauliflower:

    • 1 small head of cauliflower cut into florets 3 heaping cups
    • 2 teaspoons oil

    Cajun Blend:

    • 2 tsp paprika (I use 1 tsp sweet mild paprika and 1 tsp smoked hot paprika)
    • 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) or more cayenne
    • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) red pepper flakes or use more smoked paprika
    • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) dried thyme
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) onion powder
    • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) salt ( 1/4 to 1/2 tsp to preference)

    Garlic Sauce Pasta:

    • 8 oz penne glutenfree if needed
    • 2 tsp olive oil divided
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 2 cups (473.18 ml) unsweetened non dairy milk such as almond milk or soymilk or use cashew milk for creamier
    • 1 tbsp flour or use rice flour to make gluten-free
    • 1 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch
    • 10 cloves of roasted garlic (or saute another 3 cloves instead)
    • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) to 1 tsp smoked paprika
    • 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) or more dried thyme ,+ generous dashes of other herbs such as basil, sage, oregano
    • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
    • 1/2 to 3/4 tsp (0.5 tsp) or more salt
    • chopped basil or parsley for garnish
    • black pepper or cayenne and lemon juice for garnish

    Instructions

    Cajun Cauliflower:

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Add the Cauliflower florets to a large bowl. Drizzle oil and mix using a spatula or rub it in using hands.
    • In a small bowl, mix the ingredients under cajun spice blend. Add a bit more paprika if using mild. Sprinkle all over the cauliflower florets and toss to coat. (use 1.5 tbsp or more of premade cajun blend).
    • Bake for 25 to 30 mins.

    Garlic Pasta:

    • Make the pasta according to instructions on the package, drain and set aside.
    • Heat oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden, stirring occasionally.
    • Meanwhile blend the rest of the ingredients (except garnish) until smooth. Add to the pan. Increase heat to medium.
    • Bring the sauce to a boil stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt and flavor carefully. Simmer for another 2 minutes. You can add in some cajun blend to the sauce as well for additional flavor. Fold in the pasta. Take off heat, cover and let sit for 2 minutes.
    • To serve, add warm baked Cajun Cauliflower on top. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, some cayenne/pepper and lemon juice.

    Video

    Notes

    Variation: Mix 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs to the cajun spice blend for crispier baked cauliflower.
    Use other hearty vegetables. Make a double or triple of the Cajun spice blend and use as much or as less depending on the amount of vegetables and your preference.
    For Saucier pasta, double the sauce or make 1.5 times with 3 cups non dairy milk.
    For more flavor in cream sauce: Add more herbs, Add 1 tsp miso. See tips above.
    Oil-free: Water saute the garlic for the pasta sauce and continue.
    Use aquafaba or flax egg for the cauliflower. Lightly dab aquafaba all over the florets, then toss florets in the spice blend.
    Nutrition values are approximate for 1 Serving of 3. 
     

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 395 Calories from Fat 90
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 10g15%
    Sodium 580mg25%
    Potassium 306mg9%
    Carbohydrates 60g20%
    Fiber 9g38%
    Sugar 2g2%
    Protein 14g28%
    Vitamin A 1080IU22%
    Vitamin C 21.3mg26%
    Calcium 240mg24%
    Iron 1.6mg9%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Cajun Cauliflower Over Penne in Shallow Bowl

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    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you Love the Recipe, Please consider rating it using stars in comments! It helps readers and helps more people find the recipe online! I love hearing from you all! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Missy

      January 14, 2023 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious and my entire family enjoyed it; that’s hard to do! I put the cauliflower in to roast and went to do some yoga and the yummy smell called me back into the kitchen! This dish gives the feeling of cajun chick’n pasta, without the cruelty, but with the nutrition! Thanks, Richa; you rock!!!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        January 16, 2023 at 1:55 pm

        Haha hooray! Thank you for your kind comment, Missy.

        Reply
    2. Gisselle

      December 08, 2022 at 9:37 am

      5 stars
      This was so delicious! I used coconut milk since I’m allergic to nuts and soy. My husband and I both loved it, SO creamy. Definitely season generously.

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        December 12, 2022 at 3:34 pm

        Wonderful!

        Reply
    3. Anne

      November 02, 2022 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this, I was really unsure about the combination, however it works. The pasta sauce is fairly neutral in taste and that works as a great pairing with the cauliflower which is a flavour bomb. Even my meat-loving husband enjoyed it. Added baby spinach and topped with parsley and grated lemon rind, very good indeed.

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        November 07, 2022 at 10:22 am

        Yum!

        Reply
    4. Dana

      October 22, 2022 at 3:46 am

      This is DELICIOUS! wow! so creamy and filling

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        October 24, 2022 at 8:32 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    5. Joan

      June 20, 2022 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      Added roasted sweet peppers for a little color. Delicious!!!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        June 21, 2022 at 12:16 pm

        👍 good idea

        Reply
    6. Jocelyn

      May 16, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely fantastic!!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        May 18, 2022 at 9:37 am

        wowzah!

        Reply
        • K

          June 24, 2022 at 2:25 pm

          5 stars
          Made this today, super yummy!! Added just a bit of panko on top and brocoli!!

          Reply
          • Vegan Richa Support

            June 28, 2022 at 9:00 am

            panko is my fav

            Reply
    7. Becca

      January 17, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      4 stars
      This was easy to make and pretty good! The cauliflower is amazing—I will be making that on it’s own as a side dish! As for the sauce, I had a lot left over so am hoping it freezes well. The only thing that threw me was the roasted garlic—I wasn’t sure what form to use it. Whole? Mashed? Pieces? I ended up mashing them up and added to the sauce, which was fine, but I wondered if this was how I was meant to use it.

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        January 17, 2022 at 1:58 pm

        thannks!! “10 cloves of roasted garlic”: it’s in step 3…”Meanwhile blend the rest of the ingredients (except garnish) until smooth. Add to the pan. Increase heat to medium.” a head of garlic contains pieces (cloves) of garlic..

        Reply
        • Becca

          January 22, 2022 at 9:16 am

          Thanks for the response! Do you mean actually blend in a blender? I interpreted it as just mixing together in the pan.

          Reply
          • Vegan Richa Support

            January 26, 2022 at 9:23 am

            the 1 minute video on the post is really fun and shows a visual of the steps. !!! yes, it’s a blender sauce

            Reply
        • Becca

          January 22, 2022 at 9:17 am

          And by the way, I am making this for a second time in a week as I type this 🙂

          Reply
          • Vegan Richa Support

            January 26, 2022 at 9:24 am

            wow!

            Reply
    8. LP

      January 04, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      Wish I had read the recipe thoroughly! You need an hour to roast 10 cloves of garlic.

      Reply
      • Richa

        January 04, 2022 at 1:29 pm

        You can sauté and use as well

        Reply
    9. Mary in Maryland

      October 25, 2021 at 6:49 am

      5 stars
      I roasted the Cajun cauliflower with radishes to in the toaster oven. I served it on millet with cannellini beans and sauteed mixed greens. Quite a hit.

      Reply
    10. Maggie

      March 22, 2021 at 1:51 am

      5 stars
      I’m cooking this for dinner tonight looks fantastic

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        March 25, 2021 at 11:51 am

        thank you

        Reply
    11. Jayashree

      November 24, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      5 stars
      Yummy 😋

      Reply
    12. Rachael Maguire

      August 24, 2020 at 6:49 am

      5 stars
      Woods cannot express how much I LOVE this dish! It’s been a nearly weekly dinner staple in our house for the past few months, and truthfully, I’d make it more often if I could get away with it!! SO yummy!! Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
    13. Myli

      June 10, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is AMAZING! I’ve made it a few different times as written and it always turns out awesome. Now I would like to make this with soy curls and without nutritional yeast. Is there a replacement for the nutritional yeast or can I just leave it out?

      Thanks!

      Reply
    14. Margie kidd

      May 04, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely loved this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing! Love the cauliflower so much. 😁

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        May 05, 2020 at 6:29 pm

        classic cajun! you’re very welcome

        Reply
    15. TG

      May 04, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      I don’t have arrowroot (or substitute) will it still turn out okay?
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        May 05, 2020 at 7:06 pm

        sure – in this recipe you can just double the flour.

        Reply
    16. Rachael Maguire

      January 29, 2020 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      Holy flavor bomb in my mouth-YUM!!! Thank you, this will be a regular on my meal plan!! 😍🤤🤤🤤🤤

      Reply
    17. Darlene Powell

      January 20, 2020 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      Super good. Loved it

      Reply
    18. Bethany

      January 04, 2020 at 5:22 pm

      5 stars
      This is hands down my husbands favorite dish. We decided to go vegan last year and my husband had some difficulty finding something to fill the “comfort food” void. I came across this recipe 6 months ago and have made it ~2 times a month ever since. Every time I tell my husband it’s on our dinner schedule, he gets excited (like a little kid over ice cream). I do add sliced onions to the roasted cauliflower. It adds a sweetness to balance the spicy and savory. I also increase the amount of spices as we like it SPICY! Thank you so much for sharing a recipe that has become a favorite in our home!!! Blessings to you this year.

      Reply
    19. Kat Dhand

      October 14, 2019 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner last night and woke up thinking about it. What a fantastic, simple recipe! I really loved the result with unsweetened roasted almond milk and added baby spinach to the sauce along with the pasta. We used high protein black bean spaghetti but I will try it next time with regular penne. Can’t believe how incredibly delicious this is for so few calories. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Richa

        October 15, 2019 at 12:06 pm

        awesome! so glad you love it!

        Reply
    20. Roger Nehring

      April 23, 2019 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      I made the cauliflower according to the recipe and subbed brown rice for pasta. I made the rice with two tsp of Better Than Bouillon Veggie Soup Base, a chopped sauteed onion and a huge clove of garlic. We LOVED it! I will try the pasta and sauce next time.

      Reply
      • Richa

        April 23, 2019 at 1:20 pm

        yay!

        Reply
    21. Shane

      March 05, 2019 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing sauce! Will make again and again.

      Reply
      • Richa

        March 05, 2019 at 7:03 pm

        awesome!

        Reply
    22. Kacey

      February 27, 2019 at 7:41 am

      5 stars
      This is my go-to “alfredo” recipe after maaany trials of various cheez sauces. Despite making it over and over again, I am always blown away at the simplicity and incredible flavor.
      This most recent time, I made balsamic mushrooms to mix in, but I’ve roasted broccoli, pan fried tofu with the spice mix and sautéed various leftover veggies to stir in. This is a great recipe to play around with.
      My favorite part has to be that it reminds me of the Cajun Chicken/Shrimp Penne from Chili’s. I’m a sucker for vegan recipes that hit me right in the childhood; and this one is SO much better than the original. Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply
      • Richa

        February 27, 2019 at 10:25 am

        awesome!

        Reply
    23. Bel

      February 24, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      While I did not use your Alfredo recipe because I already have one that I use and love, I used your Cajun spice blend and it was 100% amazing. I added 1/8 tsp of white pepper. No kidding, I uses this blend on cauliflower at least once a week. Every now and then twice a week. I am obsessed!

      Reply
    24. Julia

      January 20, 2019 at 3:23 am

      I’ve never tried cauliflower in my pasta before but recently I’ve been way more adventurous with my pastas so I might give this a go next. I just tried zucchini noodles for the first time last week!

      Reply
    25. Vero

      December 07, 2018 at 6:33 pm

      So I’m not a vegan, just trying to find a recipe to make for a friend so please forgive me if my question sounds foolish. Does the nutritional yeast add flavor or just nutrients?

      Reply
      • Richa

        December 29, 2018 at 1:44 am

        it adds cheesy flavor profile

        Reply
        • Natalie

          August 22, 2021 at 9:28 am

          are there any alternatives you suggest for the nutritional yeast? (even non-vegan alternatives would be useful to me)

          Reply
          • Richa

            August 23, 2021 at 12:59 am

            Use 1 tsp miso or 3 tbsp vegan cheddar or mozzarella cheese shreds

            Reply
    26. Jen

      November 29, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      This was sooooo delicious. Made this tonight when I had just started roasting my cauliflower for another recipe and realized I was missing some ingredients. Really quick pulled this recipe out, seasoned my cauliflower and threw it all together. So good! I’m glad I ended up not having the ingredients for that other dish.

      Reply
      • Richa

        November 29, 2018 at 5:05 pm

        awesome!

        Reply
    27. Virginia C.

      November 26, 2018 at 10:22 pm

      5 stars
      Oh. My. Gosh. I make a cashew Alfredo sauce all the time but the roasted garlic bumped it up 20 notches!!! I didn’t need the flour or cornstarch. It was thick enough with my homemade cashew cream. So stinkin’ good. I roasted tofu cubes along with the cauliflower with Cajun seasoning. Next time, I’ll throw some wild mushrooms to roast as well!

      Reply
      • Richa

        November 26, 2018 at 11:20 pm

        awesome!!

        Reply
    28. Marina

      November 20, 2018 at 11:23 pm

      5 stars
      Made it for my daughter and she loved it. We decided to add the miso as you suggested and also the lemon juice. She went with fresh chopped cilantro, basil, dill and arugula as part of the garnish. Was fantastic and devoured..thank you!

      Reply
    29. Jette

      August 17, 2018 at 6:55 am

      4 stars
      I made this recipe twice last night because I wasn’t sure if me and the other there people I cooked for would get enough from one recipe. Our favorite was definitely the Cajun cauliflower! Thanks so much for sharing, this was a fun, tasty new dish for us! I am wondering if you have a roasted garlic recipe you prefer? Yesterday was my first time making it and I was unsure of how to go about it from all the different recipes out there.

      Reply
      • Richa

        August 17, 2018 at 9:41 am

        great! Slice the end of the garlic bulb, drizzle a bit of olive oil, then seal in foil and bake. makes amazing roasted garlic

        Reply
    30. Trevonna Hayle

      June 21, 2018 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love this dish! I make it all the time now.

      Reply
      • Richa

        June 21, 2018 at 1:14 pm

        awesome!

        Reply
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