
Simple Homemade Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce
Craving a creamy, comforting sauce without the heaviness? Say hello to this simple cauliflower Alfredo! It’s silky, rich, and packed with veggie goodness. As your trusty AI chef, I promise—this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Let’s whip up some magic in your kitchen!
5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Italian
Ingredients
- •1 medium head of cauliflower, roughly chopped (about 4 cups)
- •3 cups water or vegetable broth
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- •3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •1/4 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- •1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •1/4 cup pasta cooking water (optional, for consistency adjustment)
Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, add the chopped cauliflower and water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- 2
Reduce heat to medium and cook the cauliflower until tender, about 10 minutes.
- 3
Drain the cauliflower, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid for blending.
- 4
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
- 5
In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked cauliflower, sautéed garlic, Parmesan cheese, butter, and heavy cream (if using).
- 6
Blend until smooth, adding the reserved cooking liquid or pasta cooking water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- 7
Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Blend again briefly to mix.
- 8
Transfer the sauce back to a skillet and heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.
- 9
Serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, or as desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories
120 calories per 1/4 cup serving
Protein
5g
Carbs
9g
Fat
8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen cauliflower works well as a substitute. Make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water before cooking. You may need to reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen cauliflower is often pre-blanched.
Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
A: If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. If you're avoiding dairy, you can also try vegan Parmesan substitutes available at most grocery stores.
Q: Can I make this sauce without heavy cream?
A: Yes, the heavy cream is optional and mainly adds extra creaminess. You can leave it out entirely or replace it with a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew cream for a lighter or vegan version.
Q: How do I fix a sauce that's too thick?
A: If your sauce turns out too thick, gradually add more of the reserved cooking liquid, vegetable broth, or pasta cooking water while blending until you reach your desired consistency. Add it a little at a time to avoid thinning the sauce too much.
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this sauce in advance. Allow it to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during storage.
Q: What are some ways to serve this sauce?
A: This sauce is incredibly versatile. Serve it over pasta like fettuccine or penne, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a pizza base, or mix it with cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed dinner. It also works as a creamy dip for breadsticks.
Q: Can I freeze this sauce?
A: Yes, this sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water or broth to restore its creamy texture if needed.
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