Rigatoni With Cauliflower And Bacon

Rigatoni with cauliflower and bacon is a super hearty dish that satisfies that ever burning pasta craving!

As you can see in the pics pancetta was used, but bacon will be just as good for this recipe.  So use whichever one you like or have easier access to.  Additionally, any tubular pasta shape is fine.

For this recipe you will need bacon or pancetta, a head of cauliflower, garlic, olive oil and parsley.  Grated cheese such as pecorino is nice to have but optional.

How To Make Rigatoni With Cauliflower And Bacon

1. Begin by discarding the core of the cauliflower and chopping/breaking the pieces into fairly large florets.
2. Chop the garlic into small pieces. Finely chop a 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.   Start the pasta boiling process (2 Tbsp kosher salt per gallon of water) in salted water.
3. In a large pan saute the pancetta until crsip with a touch of olive oil (just to get it going) on medium-low heat.  The pancetta should take about 10-15 minutes to crisp up and render the fat.
4. Remove the pancetta when crisp with a slotted spoon and saute the garlic for 2-3 minutes in the fat drippings.

5. Add the cauliflower to the pan and give it a stir to coat the florets with all that flavor.  Add 2 ounces of water to the pan, turn heat to medium-high and cover with a lid to allow the cauliflower to steam and cook quicker.
6. After approximately 7 minutes remove the lid, turn heat to medium and cook for 2-3 minutes longer to evaporate the water and to brown the cauliflower.  Move the cauliflower around with a wooden spoon to achieve even cooking.  Season the cauliflower with a 1/2 tsp of black pepper and 1 tsp of kosher salt.
7. Fish out the ‘al dente’ pasta with a spider or drain in a colander.  If draining make sure to reserve at least 2 cups of pasta water.  Turn the heat to medium- high and add 1 cup of pasta water to the pan.  Let it cook for 2 minutes to slightly thicken, then add the pasta.
8. Return the pancetta to the pan, and continue to cook for 1 more minute.  Thoroughly mix the cauliflower, pancetta and rigatoni together.  Add the parsley on top, mix and remove the pan from the heat.  Taste test and adjust any salt or pepper if required.  If the dish gets at all dry before serving, add a couple ounces of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.   Add a healthy drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top and serve with grated parmesan  or pecorino cheese.

Hope you enjoy this cauliflower and pancetta pasta recipe!  Again, pancetta and bacon are completely interchangeable for this one.

A great loaf of Italian bread, grated cheese, chili flakes and some good extra virgin olive oil are all that’s needed to finish the recipe off.  If you need a green on the side check out this Simple Sauteed Italian Broccoli.

Pasta With Cauliflower And Bacon Substitutions And Additions

• Pancetta, bacon and guanciale are all interchangeable for this recipe.  A half pound of any of the three is a good amount.
• Roasted garlic adds amazing flavor.  If you have prepared the roasted garlic in advance, it’s as simple as adding it in towards the end.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs add a wonderful texture and flavor.  Sprinkle a 1/2 cup of toasted breadcrumbs on top  right before serving.  The breadcrumbs will absorb some of the moisture, so make sure to have that pasta water on hand to thin if required.

Tips

• Pancetta/Bacon – The pancetta does not have to be fully crisp like bacon.  10-15 minutes will definitely be enough time for it.  The bacon might take a little longer to fully crisp up.
• Pasta water – Pasta water is always critical in a dish like this.  Save the water to thin it out if required.  Use a few ounces at a time to bring the sauce consistency right back.

Difficulty Level

On a 1-5 scale with 1 being easy this recipe is a 3.  Take your time crisping up the bacon/pancetta.  Also, during the cauliflower step make sure to get some nice browning on it.

More Pasta Dishes You Will Love

• Spaghetti Carbonara
• Spaghetti Amatriciana Recipe With Pancetta
• Italian Sausage Pasta
• Pasta Con Broccoli
• Rigatoni Alla Vodka

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