Description
This Sicilian pasta with cauliflower features tender cauliflower florets and al dente pasta, all tossed in a fragrant garlic and olive oil sauce. Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and fresh parsley, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1 pound of pasta (preferably spaghetti or linguine)
- 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably homemade or panko)
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- After a few minutes, drain the cauliflower and set aside. Pat dry if necessary.
- In the same pot of boiling water, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta without rinsing. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the blanched cauliflower to the skillet and toss gently in the garlic oil for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and stir to combine, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat.
- If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Plate the pasta in generous portions, twirling it into nests on the plate.
- Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes