Dinner/ Main Dish

Pasta With Cauliflower, Bacon and Sage

Pasta With Cauliflower, Bacon and Sage

Lidey Heuck
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 358 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Sheet Pan
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Large Skillet
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Paper Towel
  • Plate

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower 2 to 2 1/2 pounds, cored and cut into 3/4- inch florets
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil plus more as needed
  • Kosher salt and black pepper ½ pound thick-cut bacon diced 1 packed cup fresh sage leaves
  • 1 pound short pasta such as gemelli, casarecce or penne
  • Zest and juice of one 1 lemon separated
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the cauliflower on a sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and toss to coat. Roast, tossing occasionally, until tender and browned all over, 20 to 25 minutes. While the cauliflower roasts, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Heat a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the sage leaves to pan and fry until they begin to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sage leaves to the plate with the bacon. Drain all but 3 tablespoons of fat from the skillet (or add additional olive oil, if needed) and remove from heat.
  • Add 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water and cook the pasta until just al dente, reserving 1 1/2 cups of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and add to the reserved skillet; heat over low. Pour or squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta, along with 1 cup pasta water and the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Toss until the sauce comes together.
  • Stir in the cauliflower, bacon and sage, adding a splash more pasta water if the pasta seems dry. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with lemon zest, and serve with extra Parmesan on the side.
Keyword Bacon, Cauliflower, Pasta

You Might Also Like