Leek, Lemon and Cauliflower Fettuccine

I'm a big fan of cooking cauliflower until it's almost creamyespecially in pasta dishes like this one. It becomes part of the sauce, adding heft and health to just a handful of fettuccine.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup leeks (tender white parts only), thinly sliced
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 12 ounces fettuccine (preferably whole grain)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 lemon (Meyer lemon is great), zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • flake sea salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chives, snipped

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Pour 1/4 cup water into a large skillet over medium heat, and add leeks and cauliflower. Cover and cook for 4 minutes, until cauliflower is just becoming tender. Start cooking pasta. Drizzle olive oil into the pan with the cauliflower, and toss with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until cauliflower and leek start to color a bit and cauliflower becomes fork tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup water. Pour the pasta water into the pan with the cauliflower, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and swirl in the butter, lemon zest and juice. Pour pasta back into the pot, and scrape cauliflower mixture over it. Mix very well using tongs and a stiff spatula. Add cheese, and toss again.
  • Divide the pasta mixture among four plates, and top with flake sea salt, chives and additional cheese if desired.
Servings: 4
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Hey there ... I'm Lia Huber

My mission is to inspire and equip you to live a richer life through real food by becoming a more competent, confident home cook.


I’m the author of Nourished: A Memoir of Food, Faith, and Enduring Love, founder and CEO of Nourish Evolution, and the creator of Cook the Seasons, Home Cooking School, and the Real Food Reset, and I empower intentional women to cook in a way that brings them (and their families) joy, health, and ease.

Making the shift from processed food to real food doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an evolution that occurs over time, with effort, intention, and belief. And it will change the course of your life. Are you ready to take the first step? I’m so glad you’re here … and I’m honored to be with you on the journey to becoming nourished!

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