This pantry-friendly comfort dish is perfect for this in-between weather when it’s not yet spring and there is still a nip in the air.
Ingredients:
8 ounces dried rigatoni, 1 bag frozen cauliflower or 1 medium head cauliflower if available- cut into small florets, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/3 cup olive oil- divided, 3 tablespoons capers- rinsed, 2 tablespoons jarred garlic or 3 garlic cloves- thinly sliced if available, 4 anchovy fillets- roughly chopped, Pinch of crushed red pepper, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons dried parsley, 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided, plus more for serving if available
Recipe:
Preheat oven to 450°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until package directions for al dente, about 10 minutes; drain and reserve about 1 cup cooking water. Toss cauliflower with salt, black pepper, and half of oil on a large rimmed baking sheet. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer; roast in preheated oven until deeply golden brown, about 25 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even browning. When cauliflower is about 5 minutes from being done, heat remaining olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high. Add capers, and cook, spooning hot oil over capers, until crispy, about 3 minutes. Remove capers with a slotted spoon, and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Reduce heat to medium; add garlic, anchovies, and red pepper. Cook until garlic is pale golden and anchovies have melted into oil, 1 to 2 minutes. Add pasta, roasted cauliflower, lemon zest, parsley, and 1/2 cup cooking water to skillet; toss to coat until glossy. Remove from heat, and add 2 tablespoons cheese. Tossing pasta constantly, add additional cooking water as needed for sauce to reach desired consistency. Top pasta with crispy capers, remaining 2 tablespoons cheese and serve.
The more we, as a community, have to avoid going to the grocery store, the more practical these shelf-stable superstars are becoming. And as we look ahead to our “new normal”, we are happy to help you learn fun, easy and delicious ways to incorporate those oft-forgotten pantry staples.