CAVATELLI WITH PANCETTA & CAULIFLOWER

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Cavatelli With Pancetta & Cauliflower image

Cavatelli Con Pancetta e Cavolfiore - what a wonderful way to prepare cauliflower! I am always looking for different ways of cooking cauliflower, this turned out better than expected! From Lidia Bastianich web site.

Provided by Manami

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

salt
8 ounces sliced pancetta, cut into 1-inchsticks (about 1-1/2 cups - 1/4-inchslices)
1 lb cavatappi pasta or 1 lb pasta shells
2 cups onions, diced (1/2-inch)
3 cups cauliflower, stalks removed, florets cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1/2 head)
crushed hot red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups hot chicken stock or 1 1/2 cups canned reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumb (as needed)
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil in an 8-quart pot over high heat.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta has rendered some of its fat and is lightly browned but still soft in the center, about 4 minutes.
  • Don't overcook the pancetta.
  • Stir the cavatelli into the boiling water.
  • Return to a boil, stirring frequently.
  • Cook the pasta, semi-covered, stirring occasionally, until done, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir the onions into the skillet and cook until barely wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is wilted and begins to brown, about 4 minutes.
  • Season lightly with salt and a little crushed red pepper.
  • Pour the chicken stock into the skillet, bring to a boil, and lower the heat so the sauce is at a lively simmer.
  • Cook until the vegetables are tender and the liquid is reduced by about one-half, about 5 minutes.
  • If the skillet is large enough to accommodate the sauce and pasta, fish the pasta out of the boiling water with a large wire skimmer and drop it directly into the sauce in the skillet.
  • If not, drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and pour in the sauce.
  • Bring the sauce and pasta to a boil, tossing and stirring to coat the pasta.
  • Check the seasoning, adding salt if necessary.
  • Stir the bread crumbs, parsley, and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in the pot.
  • Cook, stirring and tossing the pasta, until the sauce is lightly thickened.
  • Serve at once & enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.3, Fat 1.9, SaturatedFat 0.4, Sodium 248.7, Carbohydrate 68.4, Fiber 4.7, Sugar 5.3, Protein 13.3

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