This Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower is a flavorful and hearty plant-based meal. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a zesty Cajun spice blend and roasted to perfection, then served over creamy, garlicky penne pasta. It’s a simple, dairy-free dish that’s loaded with bold flavors and can be made gluten-free and nut-free.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cajun Cauliflower:

1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
2 teaspoons oil

Cajun Spice Blend:

2 teaspoons paprika (1 tsp sweet, 1 tsp smoked hot)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more smoked paprika)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Garlic Sauce Pasta:

8 oz penne pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk (e.g., almond or soy milk)
1 tablespoon flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch
10 cloves roasted garlic (or sauté 3 additional fresh garlic cloves)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon dried thyme (plus basil, sage, or oregano to taste)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
½ to ¾ teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

Chopped parsley or basil
Black pepper or cayenne
Lemon juice

Directions

For the Cajun Cauliflower:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with oil in a large bowl.
Mix the Cajun spice blend in a small bowl. Sprinkle it over the cauliflower and toss to coat evenly.
Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly crisp.

For the Garlic Pasta:

Cook the penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 3–4 minutes until golden.
Blend roasted garlic, non-dairy milk, flour, arrowroot starch, smoked paprika, thyme, nutritional yeast, and salt in a blender until smooth.
Pour the blended sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Fold in the cooked pasta, remove from heat, and let sit for 2 minutes.

To Serve:

Top the creamy garlic pasta with warm Cajun cauliflower.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, black pepper, cayenne, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 395
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
Fiber: 9 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Vitamin A: 1080 IU
Vitamin C: 21 mg
Calcium: 240 mg
Iron: 1.6 mg

This Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower is a wholesome, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a special plant-based meal!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe checks all the boxes for a delicious and wholesome meal:

Bold Flavors: The Cajun spice blend adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick to the roasted cauliflower, perfectly balancing the creamy garlic sauce.
Nutrient-Packed: With cauliflower as the star ingredient and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, this dish is packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
Comfort Food Feel: The creamy garlic sauce gives the pasta a rich and indulgent texture without the need for dairy.
Customizable: This dish can easily be adapted to suit gluten-free or nut-free diets, making it accessible to everyone.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, this recipe proves that vegan meals can be just as comforting and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts.

The Magic of Roasted Cajun Cauliflower

The roasted Cajun cauliflower is the highlight of this dish, offering a smoky, spicy, and slightly crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta. The Cajun spice blend combines smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs like thyme and oregano for a bold flavor profile.

Roasting the cauliflower at high heat caramelizes its natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness while creating crispy edges. This technique transforms a simple vegetable into a flavor-packed topping that elevates the dish to new heights.

A Creamy Garlic Sauce Without Dairy

The creamy garlic sauce is the backbone of this recipe, providing the rich, comforting base for the pasta. The secret to achieving a velvety texture without dairy lies in a blend of plant-based milk, roasted garlic, and nutritional yeast. Here’s what makes it special:

Roasted Garlic: Roasting garlic enhances its sweetness and mellows its sharpness, adding a deep, savory flavor to the sauce.
Nutritional Yeast: This vegan staple mimics the cheesy flavor of Parmesan while adding a boost of B vitamins.
Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk creates a creamy base without overpowering the other flavors.

The result is a sauce that’s just as rich and indulgent as traditional cream-based sauces, but lighter and dairy-free.

Customizing Your Vegan Garlic Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and rice flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the dish gluten-free.
Nut-Free Variation: Opt for soy milk or oat milk instead of almond milk, and use arrowroot starch instead of flour.
Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne and red pepper flakes in the Cajun spice blend. For more heat, increase the cayenne or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Additional Vegetables: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed spinach for extra nutrients and color.

These modifications allow you to tailor the dish to your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower is versatile enough to be served for various occasions:

Weeknight Dinner: Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want a wholesome meal without too much effort.
Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers for lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Dinner Parties: The vibrant colors and bold flavors make this dish a showstopper for entertaining guests. Serve it with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Its adaptability and crowd-pleasing appeal make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing this dish with complementary sides and beverages:

Salads: A crisp green salad with a lemon-tahini dressing or a tangy slaw adds freshness and balances the rich flavors of the pasta.
Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Beverages: Pair with a dry white wine, sparkling water with citrus, or a light herbal tea for a refreshing contrast.

These pairings enhance the overall dining experience and elevate the dish to a complete, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a great addition to your diet:

Plant-Based Protein: The pasta, nutritional yeast, and cauliflower provide a substantial amount of protein for a plant-based meal.
Rich in Fiber: Cauliflower and whole-grain or gluten-free pasta contribute to your daily fiber intake, supporting digestion and satiety.
Low in Saturated Fat: By using plant-based milk and olive oil, this dish is lower in saturated fat compared to traditional cream-based pasta dishes.
Vitamins and Minerals: The dish is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron, thanks to the cauliflower, nutritional yeast, and parsley.

These nutritional benefits make this dish a wholesome choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising on health.

Conclusion

Vegan Garlic Pasta with Roasted Cajun Cauliflower is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The creamy garlic sauce, tender roasted cauliflower, and perfectly cooked pasta come together to deliver a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Its versatility, nutritional benefits, and bold flavors make it a standout recipe for plant-based eating.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and discover a new favorite that combines the richness of traditional comfort food with the vibrancy of plant-based cuisine!