Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet

Featured in: Savory Stories

This skillet dish combines golden cauliflower florets and sliced mushrooms cooked gently with onions, fresh garlic, and parsley. Olive oil and thyme add depth of flavor while red pepper flakes lend a subtle kick. The vegetables sauté together until tender and lightly caramelized, creating a savory mix perfect for serving as a main or hearty side. Finish with Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness. Suitable for vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb lifestyles, this dish is quick to prepare and easy to enjoy any night of the week.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:33:00 GMT
Sautéed garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet with fresh herbs, perfect for a light dinner.  Save
Sautéed garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet with fresh herbs, perfect for a light dinner. | tastychuck.com

A flavorful, healthy skillet dish featuring tender cauliflower and earthy mushrooms sautéed with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light main or hearty side.

When I first made this garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet for my family, everyone was surprised at just how satisfying and tasty it turned out. It's now a go-to dish on busy weeknights when we crave something wholesome yet effortless.

Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: 1 medium head, cut into florets (about 700 g)
  • Mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz) cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
  • Onion: 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Parsley: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
  • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
  • Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoons (omit for vegan)
  • Lemon wedges: optional

Instructions

Prep the skillet:
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion:
Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic:
Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cauliflower:
Stir in cauliflower florets and sauté for 5 minutes so they start to brown.
Add mushrooms and season:
Add sliced mushrooms and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Cook until tender:
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until vegetables are tender and a little caramelized.
Finish and serve:
Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges.
A vibrant garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet, featuring tender veggies and fragrant spices.  Save
A vibrant garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet, featuring tender veggies and fragrant spices. | tastychuck.com

This skillet meal became a family favorite during busy weeks. Everyone gathers around the table and asks for seconds even before I can serve dessert!

Required Tools

You'll need a large skillet, chef's knife, cutting board, and a wooden spoon or spatula to prepare this recipe smoothly.

Allergen Information

This meal contains dairy only if Parmesan cheese is used, and is naturally gluten-free and nut-free. Always check packaged ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 130 calories, 8 g total fat, 13 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.

Delicious garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet served warm, garnished with lemon and Parmesan. Save
Delicious garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet served warm, garnished with lemon and Parmesan. | tastychuck.com

Sprinkle with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this dish hot with your favorite sides!

Recipe Guide

Can I use frozen cauliflower florets?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used but may release more moisture. Sauté a bit longer to ensure browning.

Which mushrooms work best for this skillet?

Cremini or white mushrooms are ideal, but you can use portobello or shiitake for richer flavor.

How do I keep the vegetables from sticking?

Ensure the skillet is well-oiled and use medium heat. Stir occasionally for even cooking and caramelization.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Omit the Parmesan cheese or replace with a vegan alternative to keep the dish entirely plant-based.

What are some serving suggestions?

Enjoy alongside grilled proteins, pair with crusty bread, or serve over grains for a complete meal.

How can I add more flavor?

Try adding a splash of vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, or toss in your favorite herbs for extra brightness.

Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet

Cauliflower and mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs offer a delicious, wholesome vegetarian option.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
20 min
Full duration
30 min
Created by Chuck Harrison


Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free, No gluten, Carb-Conscious

What you'll need

Vegetables

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (approximately 25 oz)
02 9 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
03 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings & Oils

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
03 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
04 Salt, to taste
05 Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
02 Lemon wedges

Method

Phase 01

Heat olive oil: Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet and warm over medium heat.

Phase 02

Sauté onion: Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Phase 03

Cook garlic: Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Phase 04

Sauté cauliflower: Incorporate cauliflower florets and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing light browning.

Phase 05

Add mushrooms and seasonings: Add sliced mushrooms and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Phase 06

Cook until tender: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.

Phase 07

Finish with herbs and serve: Toss in chopped parsley and adjust seasonings. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve with lemon wedges.

Kitchen tools

  • Large skillet
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains dairy if Parmesan cheese is used.
  • Naturally gluten-free and nut-free.
  • Always verify cheese and packaged ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 130
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 4 g