Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta with Bread Crumbs

Serves 4

60 min

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Pasta with Bread Crumbs

Recipe GLPRcc2635af681fd3

0.0(0)
Italian
Main Course
60 min
Servings: 4
Oven
Stovetop
SNAP eligible

A rustic, seafood-forward pasta featuring roasted cauliflower, crispy toasted bread crumbs, anchovy and garlic, finished with lemon juice and fresh scallions. This dish is naturally dairy-free and serves as a satisfying main course with optional fried eggs on top.

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Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1 pound chitarra pasta or spaghetti

4 anchovy fillets

¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water

½ Juice of ½ lemon

2-3 scallions, chopped

4 fried eggs, optional (one per serving)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the sliced garlic, and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown on the edges. Set aside.

  2. While the cauliflower roasts, toast the bread crumbs. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and stir constantly for 4-5 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ¼ to ½ cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.

  4. In the same skillet you used for the bread crumbs, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the anchovy fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until they begin to break down and dissolve into the oil. Add the remaining sliced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes over medium to medium-low heat, stirring often, until the garlic is lightly golden but not burned.

  5. Add the cooked pasta and roasted cauliflower to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If the mixture appears too dry, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a light, silky consistency. Squeeze in the lemon juice to taste, then remove from heat.

  6. Gently toss in half of the toasted bread crumbs and half of the chopped scallions. Divide the pasta among four bowls or plates.

  7. Top each serving with the remaining toasted bread crumbs and fresh scallions. If desired, place a fried egg (cooked to 160°F internal temperature) on top of each portion. Serve immediately.