A rich, savory dish with tender cauliflower, meaty mushrooms, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect as a low-carb side or vegetarian main!
This creamy garlic Parmesan cauliflower and mushroom skillet is a decadent yet healthy dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! The combination of roasted cauliflower, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich, cheesy sauce makes this a crowd-pleaser. It’s naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, making it perfect for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Cook the cauliflower: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add cauliflower florets and cook until slightly tender (6-7 minutes).
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Combine everything: Return mushrooms to the skillet and stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot as a side or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
Recipe Notes
Variations & Tips:
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
- Extra protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Vegetable swaps: Try broccoli or Brussels sprouts instead of cauliflower.
- Cheesy twist: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for extra meltiness.
- Make it crispy: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden top.
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 8g
Why This Cauliflower & Mushroom Skillet Is a Must-Try
This creamy cauliflower and mushroom recipe is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down. The earthy mushrooms pair perfectly with the mild cauliflower, while the garlic-Parmesan sauce adds a luxurious touch. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a rich, satisfying way.
Perfect for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets, this dish is also versatile enough to serve as a side with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main over zucchini noodles. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded, as it melts more smoothly. If you love umami flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire to the sauce. This dish reheats well, making it great for meal prep too!
