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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.

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