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Whole-Wheat Penne Pasta & Cauliflower

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

Salt
1 pound whole-wheat penne
1 head of cauliflower
2 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)
1/4 pound pancetta, cut into fine dice (optional)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 to 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves removed and finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
Black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese or super-sharp white cheddar cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta, salt the water, and cook the pasta to al dente.

    Step 2

    Trim the cauliflower and chop it into small florets. Heat the EVOO in a large skillet with a lid or in a Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat.

    Step 3

    If using pancetta, cook it for a couple of minutes to crisp the pancetta and render its fat.

    Step 4

    Add the onions, rosemary, and garlic, then stir and add the florets. Season with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg. Cover the pan and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Step 5

    When the cauliflower is just about tender, remove the lid, add the wine, and cook down for a minute or so. Add the stock, reduce the heat, and cover until the pasta is ready.

    Step 6

    Drain the pasta, toss with the cauliflower mixture and cheese, and adjust the seasonings to taste.

    Step 7

    Garnish shallow bowls of pasta and cauliflower with a sprig of rosemary.

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