If you’re looking for a quick and savory side dish that’s full of flavor, then this Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet is your new best friend! Imagine golden-brown mushrooms sautéed to perfection, combined with tender cauliflower, all bathed in a rich and aromatic garlic sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and versatile enough to serve with almost anything—from your favorite protein to a cozy pasta dish. Trust me, you won’t believe how easy it is to make, and how satisfying it tastes.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet
- Flavor-packed: The garlic brings a bold, savory punch while the cauliflower adds a mild nuttiness that’s perfectly complemented by the mushrooms’ earthy richness.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this skillet dish is the perfect weeknight recipe or easy side for a weekend dinner.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Full of veggies, low in carbs, and gluten-free, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile: This can easily be paired with grilled chicken, steak, or served over rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet:
Mushrooms
The earthy and juicy mushrooms are the star of this dish. You can use any type of mushrooms you like—cremini, button, or even portobello for a heartier bite.
Cauliflower
The cauliflower brings a satisfying crunch and light texture that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms. You’ll want to cut it into bite-sized florets for easy cooking.
Garlic
Fresh garlic adds that irresistible aroma and flavor. The more garlic, the better, in my opinion!
Olive Oil
For sautéing the veggies and bringing everything together with a light, fruity flavor.
Butter
A small amount of butter adds richness and depth to the sauce, making the garlic and mushrooms even more decadent.
Vegetable Broth
To deglaze the pan and create a luscious sauce for the veggies. You could also use chicken broth for extra flavor.
Lemon Juice
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything up and adds a burst of freshness.
Thyme or Italian Herbs
For a bit of herby flavor. You can use fresh thyme or dried Italian seasoning for that perfect herby finish.
Salt & Pepper
Season to taste! These basic seasonings are all you need to bring everything together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet:
Heat the Pan
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, letting it melt and get hot before adding the veggies.
Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms
Add the garlic to the skillet first, sautéing it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, toss in the mushrooms and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and release their juices.
Cook the Cauliflower
Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet. Sauté for another 5-6 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to soften but still retain some texture.
Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle in the thyme or Italian herbs. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Finish with Lemon
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, and give it one last good stir. Taste, and add salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve this skillet dish warm as a side or even as a main vegetarian meal. You’ll love how comforting and flavorful it is!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 120
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet
This flavorful skillet dish pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some great serving suggestions:
- With Grilled Protein: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a well-rounded meal.
- On Top of Rice or Pasta: Spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.
- As a Standalone Dish: It’s hearty enough to serve as a main vegetarian dish, especially with a side of crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
Additional Tips
- For a Creamier Version: Stir in a bit of cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer texture.
- Herb Variations: Swap out thyme for rosemary, oregano, or parsley to give the dish a unique flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the dish a little heat.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
A1: Yes! Frozen cauliflower works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before using.
Q2: Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
A2: Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Q4: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A4: While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. About 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder will do.
Q5: Can I use a different type of oil?
A5: Yes! Feel free to use avocado oil, butter, or even coconut oil for different flavor profiles.
Q6: Can I add cheese to this recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Grated parmesan or crumbled feta would both be excellent additions to this dish.
Q7: How do I keep the cauliflower from getting too mushy?
A7: Make sure to sauté the cauliflower just until it’s tender, but still has some bite to it. It should be slightly golden when done.
Q8: Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
A8: Yes, chicken broth would work just as well and add a bit more flavor to the dish.
Q9: Can I make this recipe without butter?
A9: Yes! You can use all olive oil if you prefer to skip the butter.
Q10: Can I freeze this dish?
A10: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat it in a skillet to restore the texture.
Conclusion
This Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet is a simple, yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a main, it’s the perfect combination of savory mushrooms and tender cauliflower. Quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile—this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
PrintGarlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet
This Garlic Mushrooms Cauliflower Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious dish, packed with tender cauliflower and earthy mushrooms, all sautéed in aromatic garlic and olive oil. A simple, low-carb, and vegan-friendly side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra richness!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets and rinse them under cold water. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower begins to soften and turn golden brown.
- Add the Mushrooms: Once the cauliflower is slightly tender, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and golden brown.
- Season: Season the skillet with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the heat and transfer the cooked cauliflower and mushrooms to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a light main course and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be made vegan or dairy-free by skipping the Parmesan cheese.
- For added flavor, try drizzling with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg