Lighter Spaghetti Alfredo with Cauliflower

Lighter Spaghetti Alfredo with Cauliflower

by Monica Molina 2 years ago
4.7 (9)
40 minutes
660.4 kcal
91.4 g carbs
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Description

This cauliflower spaghetti Alfredo is a great 'bridge' recipe, helping us transition from rich, decadent offerings to much leaner fare. I also love the dusting of crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs that top this delicious pasta. This tastes and feels very rich, but is actually quite light. Enjoy!

Ingredients
  • 3 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 head cauliflower, cored and separated into florets
  • 4 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 (14 ounce) package spaghetti
  • ½ cup fine dried bread crumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnishing
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ lemon, juiced
Directions
  1. 1. Cook and stir garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add cauliflower, water, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring water to a boil, cover, and cook until cauliflower is tender, about 10 minutes.
  2. 2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
  3. 3. Meanwhile, combine bread crumbs, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir until cheese has melted and mixture is browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off heat, sprinkle with salt to taste, and mix in basil; set aside.
  4. 4. Add cream to cauliflower mixture and puree in the pot with a stick blender until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until melted; season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. 5. Mix in lemon juice with spaghetti and stir in Alfredo sauce to coat pasta. Serve topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and the seasoned bread crumb mixture.
Nutrition Facts
serving: 4 servings
calories: 660.4 kcal
carbohydrates: 91.4 g
protein: 23.6 g
saturated fat: 8.2 g
cholesterol: 35 mg
sodium: 413.3 mg
fiber: 9.4 g
sugar: 4.5 g