The Fridge Scavenger's Tomato and Cauliflower Pasta

The Fridge Scavenger's Tomato and Cauliflower Pasta
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    25 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    40 mins
  • SERVING
    4 People
  • VIEWS
    10

Transform humble fridge staples into a deeply flavorful and satisfying pasta dish. This recipe champions resourcefulness, turning leftover tomatoes and cauliflower into a vibrant sauce that clings beautifully to any pasta shape you desire.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    63 g
  • Cholesterol
    18 mg
  • Fiber
    9 g
  • Protein
    20 g
  • Saturated Fat
    5 g
  • Sodium
    673 mg
  • Sugar
    13 g
  • Fat
    18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a large, deep skillet with a lid, place one slice of celery. Add the olive oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the celery slice sizzles, indicating the oil is ready, about 3-5 minutes. Add the remaining celery, onion, and garlic. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

02

Step

Stir in the cauliflower florets, mashed tomatoes, dried sage, salt, and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer, about 5 minutes. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook until the cauliflower is tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick or starts to stick to the bottom of the pan, add chicken broth 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

03

Step

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 11 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.

04

Step

Pour the tomato and cauliflower sauce over the cooked pasta. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss thoroughly to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

For an extra layer of flavor, try browning the cauliflower florets in the skillet before adding the tomatoes. This will give them a nutty, caramelized taste.
If you don't have fresh Parmesan, Pecorino Romano also works well in this dish.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat, while fresh basil or oregano can brighten the sauce.
This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before tossing with the pasta.

Ana Keebler

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 3.3/ 5 ( 3 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Pablo Rosenbaum

    I never thought cauliflower could taste so good in a pasta sauce!" - Sarah

  • Desiree Hermann

    I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Yum!" - Jessica

  • Nia Larkin

    The sage adds such a lovely earthy flavor. My family loved it!" - Emily

  • Felicity Welchkozey

    This is my new go-to weeknight pasta recipe. It's so easy and satisfying." - Kevin

  • Maiya Mosciski

    I used vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian." - Brian

  • Israel Braun

    The sauce is even better the next day. Great for meal prepping!" - Ashley

  • Josiane Waters

    I substituted broccoli for the cauliflower and it was still delicious." - David

  • Rosanna Corkery

    This recipe is a lifesaver when I have leftover veggies in the fridge." - Michael

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