Penne noodles are traditionally found in a variety of Bolognese and Ziti recipes around the United States, but we’ve taken the larger cousin, Paccheri Rigati, and blended together some earthy ingredients like pine nuts and cauliflower along with fresh anchovies to bring about a robust, hearty pasta dish. Along with dried currants and fresh Pecorino Romano, this dish is a traditional Sicilian-style pasta dish that is commonly served year around.
Ingredients:
- Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup dried currants
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 lb.), cut into bite-size florets
- 5 Tbs. Flora Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbs. unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Flora Panko Breadcrumbs
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 anchovy fillets, minced
- 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 16 oz. bag of Flora Organic Paccheri Rigati Homestyle Pasta
- 1 oz. finely grated Pecorino Romano (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
Directions:
Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 500°F. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. In a small bowl, cover the currants with hot tap water and set aside
On a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower with 3 Tbs. of the oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and spread in a single layer. Roast, tossing halfway through cooking, until just tender and lightly browned, 13 to 15 minutes.
Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the panko and cook, stirring, until deeply golden, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and transfer to a small dish; wipe the skillet clean.
Heat the remaining 2 Tbs. oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until golden, about 1 minute. Stir in the anchovies and pepper flakes, then add the cauliflower and toss well. Keep warm. Boil the pasta for 1 minute less than package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot. Drain the currants, and add to the pasta with the cauliflower mixture, cheese, and the reserved water. Stir to combine; cover and cook over low heat to let the flavors meld, 1 to 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and top with the panko, parsley, and pine nuts.
