Sicilian-Style Pasta with Cauliflower
The real trick to this recipe, and most pasta recipes, is to make sure that the pasta is cooked a bit less than al dente. Adding the pasta to the sauce, and simmering for 5 minutes, will infuse a lot of flavor into the pasta.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
- 3/4 lbs. Whole grain pasta We use the Ancient Grains version with brown rice and quinoa.
- 1 tablespoons Kosher sea salt
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cups Cauliflower Cut into florets
- 3 large shallots pealed, cut into julienne slices
- 2 cloves fennel julienn slices
- 1/2 cup white wine preferably Soave or Pinot Grigio
- 1 to 2 tablespoons Serious Foodie Calabrian Pepper Relish
- 1 tablespoon rinsed capers Optional
- 2 tablespoons golden raisins Optional
- 3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano Parmesan cheese also works
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, then salt it generously. Add the penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tougher than al dente. Save 2 cups of pasta water for the sauce.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, shallots, and fennel, then cook while stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is well browned, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, saute for 1 minute, then immediately add the white wine. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water, bring to a simmer, and cook until you get the desired cauliflower texture - no more than 5 to 6 minutes. Add the raisins, and capers, then add the pasta and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add more pasta water as necessary to get the desired sauce. Remove from the heat and add parsley.
Plate the pasta, then add the cheese and drizzle with additional extra virgin olive oil.