I have really been into pasta lately. Maybe it’s because most pasta dishes are so easy, or maybe it’s because I have a huge carb addiction. Either way, we seem to be having more and more pasta lately. So when I saw this recipe, I thought – this is a way to change things up a bit! Cauliflower in pasta? I had never seen it done before. Yes, it was a little different, but I actually liked it quite a bit. That way the vegetable balances out the bacon, right??
Pasta with Bacon and Cauliflower
from Real Simple March 2010
Serves 4
total time: 30 minutes
12 ounces spaghetti
6 slices bacon
1/3 cup fresh sage leaves
1 small head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets
salt and pepper
1/4 cup grated pecorino (3 oz.)
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ¾ cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Crumble.
Add the sage to the bacon drippings in the skillet and cook over medium heat, turning once, until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes; transfer to the paper towel–lined plate.
Add the cauliflower, ¼ cup water, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper to the bacon drippings in the skillet and cook, covered, for 2 minutes. Uncover and cook, tossing frequently, until golden and tender, 3 to 4 minutes more
Add the reserved pasta water and ½ cup of the pecorino to the pasta and toss until creamy. Add the cauliflower, sage, and bacon and toss. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of pecorino.
Chez Denise et Laudalino says
I love pasta as well – so easy, so good & so FILLING. We have really been into making it ever since we got a few attachments for the KitchenAid & it is so fun. I will have to try out your bacon & cauliflower combination next time – sounds delicious!
Chez Us
http://www.chezus.com
kat says
We seem to be on a pasta kick right now too weird as I usually think of it as winter food.
Christina Marsigliese says
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http://www.form5artisan.blogspot.com
Sylvie says
Delicious!
Marie says
I love tossing roasted cauliflower with pasta! It is a splendid comfort meal for me.
Bethany Park says
Yeah, I saw this recipe in Real Simple. So appealing because of the short ingredient list — glad you liked it, I may have to try it!
Barbara says
Love the white on white pasta dish! Can't wait to try pasta with cauliflower. Bacon, of course, is always a winner!
Sook says
I'm starting to cook more stuff with cauliflower lately. The pasta looks so delicious.
Taste of Beirut says
The bacon and cauliflower combo sounds great, the bacon livens up the vegetable! Yum!
Cande says
I bet it would be a lot more visually appealing with a colored pasta like spinach or tomato. The white pasta + white cauliflower in the photo all kind of blends together visually. Sounds yummy though!
teresa says
what a fun and unique dinner, lovely!
Joanne says
I am constantly on a carb kick (i.e. addiction) so that pasta looks fantastic to me! I can't say I've ever put cauliflower in it…hmmmm
Mary says
Oo, this looks so GREAT! I must try this! Thanks 🙂
xxMK
http://delightfulbitefuls.blogspot.com/
Patsyk says
I couldn't give up pasta completely. This looks like a great way to change things up – and, I think that the veggie definitely offsets the bacon!
Chocolate Shavings says
Bacon and cauliflower, what a great combo!
Beth (Jam and Clotted Cream) says
I could live on pasta but have never tried cauliflower with it! Must give this a try