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Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce with Mushrooms

A fork full of creamy cauliflower alfredo with mushrooms hanging over a bowl of it. Sliced chicken breasts sits in the background.
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5 from 7 reviews

Pureed cauliflower delivers a rich and creamy alfredo-like sauce. Depth of flavor is added from sautéd onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Fettucini noodles bring texture throughout this dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Florets from 2 medium heads of Cauliflower
  • 8 cups Chicken Stock
  • 1/8-1/4 cup Half and Half
  • 2 tablespoons Salted Butter
  • 6 small Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • Kosher Salt, to taste
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 large Sweet Onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Baby Bella Mushrooms, sliced thick
  • 6 large Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 8-10 ounces of cooked Fettuccini
  • Fresh Thyme, for garnishment

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Salt and pepper the six 6 small boneless and skinless chicken breasts on both sides.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high. Add one tablespoon of olive oil until hot.
  • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about three minutes on each side. They should have a golden brown sear on them.
  • Place the skillet in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes or until an internal thermometer reads 160°F in the thickest part of the chicken breasts.
  • Remove them from the skillet, cover with foil, and set aside. The chicken will continue to cook to the desired 165°F while resting.
  • While the chicken is cooking, add the florets of two medium heads of cauliflower to a large pan with 8 cups of chicken stock. (You can use water if you would like.)
  • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes or until tender, not mushy.
  • Drain the cauliflower well and place into a food processor. Depending on how thick it is when puréed, add a 1/8 to 1/4 cup half and half and 2 tablespoons butter. Purée until it is smooth. If it is still too thick add a little bit of the cooking liquid.
  • Using the same skillet used for the chicken, heat it over medium-high heat. When hot add one tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Add one large chopped sweet onion to the skillet and turn the heat down to medium.
  • Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is slightly tender.
  • Turn the heat to medium-high again and add one pound of sliced baby bella mushrooms. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes, until nice and brown with a caramelization.
  • Add in 6 large minced garlic cloves. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until you can fully smell its aroma.
  • Pour the puréed cauliflower into the skillet and stir to combine the cauliflower, onions and mushrooms.
  • Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
  • Stir in 8-10 ounces of cooked fettuccini.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped thyme.
  • Slice the chicken breasts and add alongside the pasta dish or dice the chicken and add it into the dish along with the pasta.
  • ENJOY!!

Notes

  • You can use water or broth for the cauliflower instead of the stock. The stock enhances the dish's overall richness as the cauliflower draws in its flavor.
  • You can substitute two medium heads of cauliflower for two 16-ounce bags of frozen cauliflower. Frozen vegetables in general cook quicker than fresh, so you will need to cut the cooking process down to 12-15 minutes.
  • Make sure and drain the cauliflower well once fully cooked, otherwise, the sauce can come out a little watery.
  • Cooking the mushrooms on a higher heat allows the moisture to evaporate quickly causing them to carmelize better.
  • If I'm doubling the recipe, I use half vegetable stock and half water. Use enough liquid that the cauliflower florets are covered completely during the cooking process. Also, make sure to add about 10-15 minutes extra to the cooking time which will ensure that the florets become soft and tender.
  • you can definitely prep the cauliflower florets. Place them in a loosely closed plastic bag or a perforated one. Cauliflower needs air circulation so don't seal the bag or knot tie it. If properly stored, the florets will last five days in the fridge.
  • The sauce itself can be made ahead of time. Make as directed, let it completely cool, and pour the sauce into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • When freezing, leave out the half and half since dairy tends to separate from the sauce when frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before pouring it into an air-tight container or a plastic freezer bag. It will store in the freezer for three to four months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://lingeralittle.com/cauliflower-alfredo-sauce/