Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Cauliflower Piccata Pasta, a vibrant plant-based twist on the classic dish. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that everyone in your family will love!
Table of Contents
Kick off your culinary adventure with this deliciously bright and savory Cauliflower Piccata Pasta! This recipe offers a fantastic plant-based twist on the classic piccata dish, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s perfect for mixed-diet families. The combination of roasted cauliflower, zesty lemon, and briny capers creates a tasty medley that elevates your pasta experience while keeping it light and fresh.
Not only is this dish a feast for the senses, but it also highlights the beauty of seasonal ingredients. Cauliflower shines as the star, taking on a delightful golden hue when sautéed, while the fresh lemon juice adds a vibrant brightness that enlivens each bite. The addition of toasted breadcrumbs introduces a satisfying crunch, creating a delightful contrast to the tender pasta and veggies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Cauliflower Piccata Pasta is your new go-to weeknight meal for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes! The combination of lemony cauliflower, fragrant garlic, and crispy breadcrumbs creates an irresistible dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. It’s a comfort pasta dish without any heavy sauces.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. With easy adaptations for gluten-free diets and non-vegan options, it caters to everyone at the table, ensuring that no one feels left out.
What You Need To Make Cauliflower Piccata Pasta
To whip up this delightful Cauliflower Piccata Pasta, gather the following ingredients, each contributing to the vibrant flavors and textures of the dish:
- Spaghetti or linguine: Your choice of regular or gluten-free pasta serves as the hearty base for this dish.
- Olive oil: Use extra-virgin to sauté the shallots, garlic, and cauliflower.
- Shallots: These mild, sweet onions bring a subtle onion flavor and aromatic quality to the dish, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
- Garlic: Freshly sliced garlic infuses the dish with a robust flavor, enhancing the savory notes and making the pasta irresistible.
- Cauliflower: Broken into florets and sliced, cauliflower not only adds a nutritious element but also acts as a satisfying, meaty component that absorbs the lemony sauce.
- Dry white wine (or vegetable stock): This liquid adds acidity and brightness, enhancing the overall flavor while helping to create a luscious sauce.
- Lemon: The juice and zest of fresh lemon provide a bright, zesty kick that elevates the dish, balancing the richness of the olive oil and butter.
- Capers: These small, briny buds bring a tangy burst of flavor, reminiscent of traditional piccata, and contribute to the dish’s unique character.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, kosher salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and brings the dish to life.
- Freshly ground black pepper: This spice adds warmth and a subtle heat, rounding out the flavor profile of the pasta.
- Vegan butter: Used to enrich the sauce and finish the dish, vegan butter adds a creamy texture without any dairy.
- Breadcrumbs: Toasted and sprinkled on top, breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender pasta and cauliflower.
- Italian parsley: Chopped and used as a garnish, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Optional for non-vegans: Add sliced cooked chicken breast for an extra protein boost, making this a satisfying option for everyone at the table.
How To Make Cauliflower Piccata Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooked pasta water.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower to the skillet and cook until slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Flavor: Stir in the white wine (or vegetable stock), lemon juice, and capers. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: In another skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of vegan butter and add the breadcrumbs. Toast until golden, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Everything: When the pasta is cooked, add it to the skillet with the cauliflower. Pour in the reserved pasta water, and stir in the remaining tablespoon of vegan butter and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Recipe Tips
Meal Prep:
This pasta dish is great for meal prep! You can cook the cauliflower and prepare the pasta ahead of time. Just combine everything when you’re ready to eat.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors continue to meld and get even better!
Adapting for Non-Vegans:
To make this dish appealing to non-vegans, simply top each serving with sliced cooked chicken breast for added protein.
What To Serve With Cauliflower Piccata Pasta
This Cauliflower Piccata Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment, crispy and buttery garlic bread enhances the meal with its rich flavors, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad dressed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing burst of brightness and crunch to the meal.
- Protein Choices: Elevate your dinner experience by offering additional protein options such as grilled shrimp or chickpea cutlets. This allows everyone at the table to customize their plate and ensures that both vegans and non-vegans feel satisfied.
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
How can I make this dish creamier?
Cauliflower Piccata Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Cauliflower Piccata Pasta, a vibrant plant-based twist on the classic dish. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that everyone in your family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb regular or gluten free spaghetti or linguine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 small shallots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 large head cauliflower, broken into florets and sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or vegetable stock)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 Tbsp capers, drained
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter, divided
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of cooked pasta water.
- Saute the cauliflower: Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the shallot and garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the cauliflower and cook until slightly golden (about 5 minutes.)
- Make the sauce: Stir in the white wine (or stock), lemon juice and capers. Season with the salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Toast the breadcrumbs: Meanwhile, in another skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add the breadcrumbs. Cook just until toasted, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
- Assemble the dish: When the pasta is cooked, add it to the skillet with the cauliflower and pour in the reserved pasta water. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of vegan butter and lemon zest. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with the toasted breadcrumbs and garnish with the parsley.
Notes
- Spoiler Alert: Cauliflower Piccata Pasta will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week.
- For non-vegans: Top with sliced chicken breast if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian