Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet

Featured in: Lunch Nosh

This vibrant skillet features bite-sized cauliflower and sliced mushrooms sautéed in olive oil with garlic, onion, and aromatic thyme. Finished with fresh parsley, optional Parmesan, and lemon wedges, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Adaptable for vegan diets when omitting cheese, this dish works beautifully as a nutritious side or as a lighter main, offering versatility for any occasion. The quick cook time makes it ideal for weeknight dinners. Garnish as desired and enjoy with crusty bread or grilled proteins.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:25:00 GMT
Skillet of garlic cauliflower and mushrooms, beautifully sautéed and garnished with parsley.  Save
Skillet of garlic cauliflower and mushrooms, beautifully sautéed and garnished with parsley. | grinnosh.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.

I first made this garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet for my family on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became our go-to dish whenever we wanted something tasty and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Heat oil:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook onion:
Add onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Add garlic:
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Sauté cauliflower:
Stir in cauliflower florets and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing them to begin browning.
Add mushrooms and season:
Add sliced mushrooms and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Cook until tender:
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Add parsley and taste:
Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired and serve with lemon wedges.
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My kids love sprinkling extra fresh parsley on top and squeezing lemon wedges over their portions. Sharing it together at the table makes me appreciate simple meals that everyone enjoys.

Required Tools

Large skillet, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula for easy preparation and serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 130 calories, 8 g total fat, 13 g carbohydrates, and 4 g protein.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy as a side with grilled chicken or make it a main dish with crusty bread, or keep it vegan with plant-based cheese.

Hearty garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet, perfect for a healthy dinner or side dish.  Save
Hearty garlic cauliflower mushroom skillet, perfect for a healthy dinner or side dish. | grinnosh.com

This skillet is delicious fresh or reheated, and always tastes even better with a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, frozen cauliflower florets work well. Simply thaw and pat dry before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.

How do I make it vegan?

Omit Parmesan cheese or replace with a plant-based alternative. The dish remains flavorful and satisfying.

What mushrooms are best to use?

Cremini and white mushrooms both work great. Try mixing varieties for deeper flavor and texture.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes, you can sauté the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.

Is this suitable for low carb diets?

Definitely. Cauliflower and mushrooms are both low in carbohydrates, making this dish a healthy, filling option.

How can I prevent my vegetables from getting soggy?

Sauté on medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan so the cauliflower and mushrooms caramelize nicely.

Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet

Tender cauliflower and mushrooms sautéed with garlic and herbs for a wholesome, savory skillet meal or side.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Hannah Lewis

Type Lunch Nosh

Skill level Easy

Heritage International

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free, No gluten, Low-Carbohydrate

Components

Vegetables

01 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (approximately 24 ounces)
02 9 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
03 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings & Oils

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
03 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
04 Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
02 Lemon wedges

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat Skillet and Sauté Onion: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Stage 02

Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds or just until fragrant.

Stage 03

Sauté Cauliflower: Stir in cauliflower florets and sauté for 5 minutes, allowing florets to begin browning lightly.

Stage 04

Add Mushrooms and Season: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle in thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if desired, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly coat vegetables with seasonings.

Stage 05

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

Stage 06

Finish with Parsley and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in chopped parsley and adjust seasoning if needed.

Stage 07

Plate and Garnish: Transfer to serving dishes and, if desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy if Parmesan cheese is included; omit for dairy-free or vegan diets.
  • Gluten-free and nut-free as prepared.
  • Always check cheese and packaged ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 130
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 4 g