Creamy Penne with Roasted Cauliflower and Leeks!

Creamy without the calories!  This healthy penne combined with roasted cauliflower and leeks and tossed with a vegan white sauce has a flavor punch that will have you making it again and again.

Did you know that you can roast the cauliflower leaves?!  Me either!  They come out crisp and delicious like kale chips after just a few minutes in the oven and make a perfect accompaniment to the other flavours and textures in this dish.

We already know that this is one of the best veggies nutrition-wise but did you know that the leaves are rich in calcium and iron?  By virtue of being leaves, they are rich in fiber too.  Foods rich in calcium and iron have several health benefits ranging from healthy bones, better immunity and the high fiber content aids digestion and keeps the gut healthy. A 100 g serving of leaves has approximately 600 mg of calcium in it- wow!

Chickapea Pasta with healthy whole food ingredients

And have you seen the new packaging for Chickapea!?  I just love it.  Colorful, creative – and represents the product so beautifully!

Creamy Penne with Roasted Cauliflower and Leeks

I have created lots of flavor in this vegan white sauce and you’ll love the ease of tossing it all in the blender.  It’s nutty creamy taste is perfect with this healthy pasta!

Love my Chickapea Pasta!

Tag me with your favorite Chickapea recipes on Instagram! @simplyfreshdinners #simplyfreshdinners .  I want to see what you’re up to in your kitchen and share the inspiration with my readers!

This post was sponsored by Chickapea.  To get the recipe, click here.

 

An easy weeknight meal with healthy pasta. #plantbasedprotein #choosechickapea #healthypasta #chickpeapasta #lentilpasta

18 Comments

  • Reply
    Sarah
    October 31, 2018 at 8:24 am

    Creamy without the calories + protein from the Chickapea Pasta is our idea of a perfect meal! Roasted cauliflower and extra veggies are the best, too!

  • Reply
    Erin @ The Almond Eater
    October 31, 2018 at 9:53 am

    Loving the combo of cauliflower+leeks–so good!

  • Reply
    Marcie Bidou
    October 31, 2018 at 11:15 am

    What a beautiful dish Robyn! I love the cauliflower, leeks and naturally the Chickapea which is the most important part. 🙂 Your photos are gorgeous and I’m in love with those bowls!

  • Reply
    Kristen
    October 31, 2018 at 12:32 pm

    I love love love your Chickapea pasta recipes but this one just might be my favorite. Cauliflower for the win!

  • Reply
    Rachael
    October 31, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    You are so talented, Robyn! Loving this dish

  • Reply
    Dana
    October 31, 2018 at 3:35 pm

    This looks so wholesome and filling! I love the flavors happening here. I’ve never brought roasted cauliflower to my pasta and now, I MUST.

  • Reply
    Izzy @ She Likes Food
    October 31, 2018 at 5:17 pm

    I love this, Robyn! Cauliflower is so great in pasta and I love that you added leeks too!

  • Reply
    Tania Sheff
    October 31, 2018 at 7:45 pm

    Cauliflower is my favorite vegetable and Chickapea is my favorite pasta! Love this recipe!

  • Reply
    Natasha
    October 31, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    I love leeks! This is such a unique combo that looks so tempting! And you can’t go wrong with Chickapea. 😉

  • Reply
    Lauren Kirchmaier
    October 31, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Love this tip on roasting cauliflower leaves…thanks for sharing!!! I cannot wait to try this!

  • Reply
    Jasmin
    October 31, 2018 at 10:24 pm

    Hey Robyn – it looks a brilliant recipe but you may want to check the recipe link to chickapea https://blog.choosechickapea.com/creamy-penne-with-roasted-cauliflower-and-leeks/

  • Reply
    Sarah
    November 1, 2018 at 3:29 am

    I can’t believe I’ve never thought to roast cauliflower leaves before! Mind = blown.

    This pasta looks outstanding – can’t wait to try it!

  • Reply
    Lorena
    November 6, 2018 at 4:56 am

    This looks so delicious!! I love cauliflower so so much! And the combo with chickpea pasta is brilliant!

  • Reply
    John / Kitchen Riffs
    November 28, 2018 at 11:15 am

    Cauliflower works so well in pasta dishes. Love the combo! And this recipe looks wonderful — thanks.

  • Reply
    Healthy World Cuisine
    January 4, 2019 at 6:57 am

    Roasting the cauliflower leaves is brilliant! Waste not want -want not! All about that. Can’t wait to try this simple gluten free pasta recipe, so many fabulous flavors. Wishing you a super 2019.

  • Reply
    Mindy
    January 12, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    Can’t wait to try this! I have never roasted the leaves but they sound like a win. Clean and whole food at its finest as is usual with your amazing recipes. (PS: I hope you don’t faint at my visit here . Alive and doing SO much better.)

    • Reply
      Robyn
      May 4, 2019 at 10:12 am

      And I hope you don’t faint at my VERY late reply, Mindy, lol. Glad to hear you’re doing better, friend.
      The crunch of the leaves was a definite bonus. Let’s talk soon!

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