Skip to main content

Whole-Wheat Linguine with Cauliflower, Pancetta, and Parmesan

4.2

(34)

If you like cauliflower, you'll love this pasta, with its slightly spicy mix of crisp, savory toppings.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 main-course servings

Ingredients

1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs (from 2 slices firm sandwich bread)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large head cauliflower (2 1/2 lb), cut into 1-inch-wide florets (8 cups)
1/4 lb sliced pancetta, chopped (1 cup)
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
3/4 lb dried whole-wheat linguine
1/2 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/4 cup) plus additional for serving
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Stir together bread crumbs, salt, and 1 tablespoon oil in a small bowl until combined well. Transfer to a 12-inch heavy skillet and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until crisp and golden, 3 to 5 minutes, then return to bowl.

    Step 2

    Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté cauliflower, stirring occasionally, until browned well, about 8 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add pancetta and sauté, stirring frequently, until just beginning to crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté, stirring, 1 minute. Add broth, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender and sauce is slightly reduced, about 7 minutes.

    Step 4

    While sauce simmers, cook linguine in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until al dente, then drain in a colander.

    Step 5

    Stir cheese into sauce and simmer 1 minute.

    Step 6

    Toss pasta with cauliflower mixture and parsley in a large bowl, then sprinkle with bread crumbs. Serve with additional cheese.

Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
The secret to extra-fluffy stack? A splash of cold, bubbly seltzer.