PENNE WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND GARLIC-BACON CRUMBS

PENNE WITH ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND GARLIC-BACON CRUMBS image

Categories Pasta

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

10 ounces penne pasta
1 medium head cauliflower, separated and cut into bite-sized pieces
6 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces
8 large plum tomatoes, seeded and cut into bite-sized pieces
Extra virgin olive oil
3 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped (2 to 3 teaspoons)
2/3 cup panko crumbs or fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Romano or Parmesan cheese for grating

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400°F and put a pot of salted water on to boil for the penne. Spray 2 baking sheets with nonstick spray and arrange the cauliflower on one and the scallions and tomatoes on the other. Drizzle the veggies with a little bit of olive oil, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Place the cauliflower in the oven first and roast for ten minutes. Remove and turn the pieces for even browning. Return to the oven along with the tomato-scallion tray and roast until the cauliflower is tender when pierced with a knife and the tomatoes and scallions begin to brown, about 8 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. While the vegetables roast, add the pasta to the boiling water and make the garlic-bacon crumbs. Cook the bacon in a large pan until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Drain the excess fat from the pan, but don't wipe it out. Add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and continue cooking until soft and fragrant, about 1-1/2 minutes (do not allow it to brown). Add the crumbs and cooked bacon and continue cooking for another minute, until the crumbs are very lightly toasted. Remove from the heat and add the parsley. Drain the pasta and return it to the pan. Add the roasted vegetables, drizzle with a little olive oil and and toss to combine. Add the garlic-bacon crumbs and toss again. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide the pasta between 4 plates, grate some cheese on top and serve.