Cauliflower Alfredo Baked Ziti
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Cook2 h 10 min
- Total2 h 10 min
- Serves8
- LevelIntermediate
Ingredients
- 1 large (1½- to 2-pound) olive oil spray or vegan cooking spray (soy-free if necessary)
- 3 cups head cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 pound low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup ziti or penne pasta (gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 cups raw cashews, soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes and drained, water discarded
- ¼ cup unsweetened nondairy milk (soy-free if necessary)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 3 tbsp. vegan white wine
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 2 tsp. white soy miso (or chickpea miso)
- 2 tsp. onion powder
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- to taste ground nutmeg
- salt and black pepper
- Pepita Parmesan
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Combine the cauliflower and broth in a medium pot, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover again, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is soft. Remove from the heat.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain. Set aside in a large bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking, use a slotted spoon to scoop the cauliflower into a blender. (You can save the broth for another use.) Add the cashews, milk, nutritional yeast, wine, oil, lemon juice, miso, onion powder, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Add the sauce to the pasta. Stir until combined, then pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the Pepita Parmesan over the top and bake for 20 minutes. Serve immediately. Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- VARIATION: To add some flavor or texture, try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, steamed broccoli, or cooked greens.
