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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