The Noodles & Company fast casual restaurant chain in the United States announced the debut of Caulifloodles on September 25. The cauliflower-infused noodles, a permanent addition to the menu, will also be available in two new limited-time-only seasonal dishes, the Cauliflower Rigatoni in Light Onion Cream Sauce and the Cauliflower Rigatoni Fresca with Shrimp.
Here are descriptions of the two new vegetable-infused options now available outlets nationwide:
- Cauliflower Rigatoni in Light Onion Cream Sauce with roasted zucchini, mushrooms and spinach, finished with MontAmoré cheese and parsley
- Cauliflower Rigatoni Fresca with Shrimp, balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil and roasted garlic, mixed with red onion, tomato and spinach, topped with Parmesan cheese
“A regular serving of our new Caulifloodles boasts a full serving of vegetables and, the best part is they taste just like classic pasta, so guests don’t have to compromise flavor or texture,” said Nick Graff, executive chef at Broomfield, Colorado-headquartered Noodles & Company. “By expanding our Zoodles and Other Noodles platform with dishes that include the light and nutrient-rich cauliflower-infused noodles, we’re able to offer choices for everyone in the family, no matter their dietary needs.”
Cauliflower is an excellent source of key nutrients including Vitamins C, K, B6 and fiber, making Caulifloodles a great way to sneak vegetables into kids’ diets, added Graff. A kids’ serving of Caulifloodles has half the recommended daily requirement of vegetables for children.
The chain, which currently operates more than 60 units in 30 states, reports that it is in the process of removing fountain drinks as an option from the kid’s menu panel and replace them with selections including organic juices and milk to ensure healthy choices are easy and accessible.
Meanwhile, for those indulging in dessert or opting for an afternoon pick-me-up treat, the Noodles & Company Crispy menu pleaser is now available in a limited-time only Pumpkin Spice flavor. It features a blend of seasonal fall spices mixed into melted butter, gooey marshmallows and crispy rice cereal.
