creamy pasta w/ cajun Seasoned Cauliflower

This creamy pasta is complimented very well with these Cajun seasoned crispy cauliflower bites. We also threw in some sautéed veggies to add color, texture, and nutrition.

Ingredients:

·         16 ounces of pasta of your choice

Cream Sauce:

·         2 cups of vegan milk

·         1 tbsp. flour

·         1 tbsp. cornstarch

·         ½ tsp. dried thyme

·         ½ of a large jalapeno diced

·         ½ cup nutritional yeast (can add more to taste)

·         1 tsp. red pepper flakes 

·         1 packet of Sazon (can also use seasoned salt)

·         Season to taste: black pepper, garlic and onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika

Sautéed Veggies:

·         1 tbsp. avocado oil (or oil of your choice)

·         1 carton of sliced portabella mushrooms

·         ½ cup of mixed bell peppers

·         ½ cup red onions

·         1 tomato diced

·         2 green onion stocks

·         1 tbsp. minced garlic

Cauliflower Bites:

·         1 head of cauliflower cut into bites (think boneless wings)

·         Cajun seasoning to taste (I used a premade blend I got from my local grocery store)

·         1 cup all-purpose flour

·         1 cup of vegan milk (may need a bit more to make batter smooth)

·         2 cups of panko breadcrumbs

Spicy Mayo:

·         1-part vegan mayo

·         1-part Louisiana Hot sauce

·         Mix in a bowl    

Instructions:

1.       Preheat oven to 400 F.

2.       In a large bowl, add flour, vegan milk, and seasoning. Whisk together until the batter is smooth.

3.       In another bowl place panko crumbs.

4.       Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

5.       Dip cauliflower in batter, making sure to coat each piece completely and let excess batter drip off.

6.       Then coat in panko breadcrumbs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7.       Once all the cauliflower is dipped and coated, place in the oven for 25-30 minutes. (watch them closely, and check for desired crispness)

8.       Cook pasta according to package instructions

9.       Put all cream sauce ingredients in a food processor (can also use a blender) and blend until smooth.

10.   Transfer sauce to a pot and bring to a boil stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes (until sauce thickens), then fold in pasta, remove from heat and cover.

11.   Let sit while you prepare veggies.

12.   Heat oil and sauté veggies until desired texture.

13.   Fold veggies into pasta and sauce mixture.

14.   Plate and top with a couple Crispy Cauliflower Bites.

15.   Drizzle spicy mayo sauce on top.

16.   Enjoy!