Asparagus Pasta with Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce
Pick up some fresh cauliflower and asparagus at the market and make this light version of alfredo pasta. It’s a great way to add veggies into an otherwise hearty dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Entrées
Ingredients
Scale
- Asparagus
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Alfredo Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) package regular, whole-wheat, or gluten-free penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- For the asparagus: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Place the asparagus on the baking sheet and toss with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the asparagus, stirring halfway through, for 15 minutes or until it is crisp-tender and beginning to lightly brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- For the alfredo sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Slowly whisk in the almond milk, vegetable broth, and lemon juice and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add the chopped cauliflower and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the cauliflower for 7 to 10 minutes or until the cauliflower is soft.
- Remove from the heat and carefully pour the mixture into a high-powered blender.
- Blend on high until smooth, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- For the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add the roasted asparagus and the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper again if necessary, top with the Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.