Pin This creamy cauliflower Alfredo pasta has revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine, offering all the comfort of traditional Alfredo but with a lighter twist and the unexpected pop of everything bagel seasoning. The humble cauliflower transforms into a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly, while the everything bagel seasoning adds that savory crunch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
I first created this recipe during a pantry cleanout night when I spotted a lonely head of cauliflower and that half-used jar of everything bagel seasoning. What started as kitchen improvisation has become our family's most requested special dinner that somehow feels indulgent while being surprisingly nutritious.
Ingredients
- Large head of cauliflower: The star of our sauce, providing creaminess without heaviness. Look for firm, white heads without brown spots
- Fresh garlic cloves: Use fresh rather than pre-minced for the best flavor profile. The garlic mellows beautifully when boiled with the cauliflower
- Unsalted butter: Creates richness in the sauce. European-style butter with higher fat content works especially well
- Whole milk: Provides the perfect level of creaminess. The fat content matters here for sauce texture
- Parmesan cheese: Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth. Always grate it fresh
- Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that gives this sauce its silky texture and slight tanginess
- Fettuccine pasta: The wide, flat shape captures the sauce beautifully. Fresh pasta works wonderfully if available
- Everything bagel seasoning: The unexpected hero that elevates this dish. Look for versions with large sesame seeds for the best texture contrast
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your cauliflower florets and whole garlic cloves. The water should taste like the sea to properly season the cauliflower. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the cauliflower yields easily when pierced with a fork. You want it very tender so it will blend into a silky sauce. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked cauliflower and garlic to a plate, keeping the water boiling for your pasta.
- Cook the pasta:
- In the same pot of boiling water, add your fettuccine or pasta of choice. This efficient step saves you from having to use multiple pots. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-11 minutes depending on your pasta type. Before draining, scoop out one full cup of the starchy pasta water which will help thin your sauce if needed. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- Blend the sauce:
- Transfer your cooked cauliflower and garlic to a high-powered blender or food processor. Add the butter, allowing it to melt from the residual heat of the vegetables. Pour in the milk, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth with no visible cauliflower pieces. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily. If it seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Combine and season:
- Return your drained pasta to the pot and pour the cauliflower Alfredo sauce over it. Using tongs, gently toss the pasta until every strand is thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce. The heat from the freshly drained pasta will help the sauce cling perfectly. Add the everything bagel seasoning and toss again to distribute it evenly throughout the dish. The warm pasta will slightly toast the seasoning, intensifying its flavor.
- Final touches:
- Taste your pasta and adjust seasonings as needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference. Divide the pasta among warmed plates and sprinkle with additional everything bagel seasoning for both visual appeal and flavor. If using, scatter freshly chopped parsley over each serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Pin The everything bagel seasoning is truly what makes this dish special in my kitchen. I discovered this combination when my daughter was going through a picky eating phase, and the familiar bagel flavors helped her embrace the new cauliflower sauce. Now she specifically requests the bagel pasta at least once a week, proving that sometimes the most unexpected ingredient combinations become family favorites.
Make It Ahead
This cauliflower Alfredo sauce is perfect for meal prepping. You can make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally and adding a splash of milk to loosen it up if needed. Cook your pasta fresh just before serving for the best texture. This approach makes weeknight dinners incredibly fast while maintaining that fresh-made taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. If you're dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil, use unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans. No everything bagel seasoning? Create your own by mixing equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of salt. Gluten-free? Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and enjoy all the creamy goodness without worry.
Serving Suggestions
This cauliflower Alfredo makes an impressive centerpiece for a vegetarian dinner party when served family-style in a large, shallow bowl. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For wine pairing, choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming the subtle cauliflower flavor.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil at the end for brightness
Fall Incorporate roasted butternut squash cubes and crispy sage leaves
Winter Stir in wilted kale and a pinch of nutmeg for cozy comfort
Spring Toss in blanched asparagus pieces and fresh peas for springtime freshness
Pin I hope this cauliflower Alfredo becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. There's something magical about transforming humble cauliflower into something so luxurious that even the most devoted cream sauce enthusiasts will be impressed. The everything bagel seasoning might seem unconventional at first, but trust me once you try this combination, ordinary Alfredo will never quite satisfy in the same way again.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use another pasta type?
Yes, any pasta shape works well, but fettuccine or similar styles best catch the creamy sauce.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Replace butter, milk, Parmesan, and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free option.
- → What is everything bagel seasoning?
This blend typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, and salt, adding a distinct savory crunch.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead?
Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Gently heat before tossing with pasta.
- → What vegetables pair well as add-ins?
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes make excellent flavorful additions to this dish.
- → How do I achieve a smooth sauce?
Blend the cooked cauliflower and dairy ingredients thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water gradually for perfect consistency.