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Linguine with Cauliflower, Garlic, and Bread Crumbs
© Melanie Acevedo

Linguine with Cauliflower, Garlic, and Bread Crumbs

Contributed by Quick From Scratch Italian
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
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The strong flavors of cauliflower, garlic, red-pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese balance perfectly, raising these common, readily available ingredients to new heights.

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  1. 8 tablespoons olive oil
  2. 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
  3. 6 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 6 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  5. 1/2 teaspoon dried red-pepper flakes
  6. 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  7. 1 pound linguine
  8. 1 head cauliflower (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets
  9. 1 teaspoon salt
  10. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  1. In a large frying pan, heat 4 tablespoons of the oil over moderate heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove. Wipe out the pan.
  2. Heat the remaining 4 tablespoons oil in the same pan over moderately low heat. Add the garlic, parsley, and red-pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in the anchovy paste. Remove from the heat.
  3. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the linguine until almost done, about 8 minutes. Add the cauliflower and bring back to a boil. Cook until the cauliflower and pasta are just done, about 4 minutes longer. Drain. Toss with the garlic mixture, salt, bread crumbs, and Parmesan. Top with additional Parmesan.
Notes Variations:

Substitute broccoli for the cauliflower.

Add a handful each of raisins and pine nuts at the same time as the garlic, parsley, and red-pepper flakes.

Use four chopped anchovy fillets instead of the anchovy paste.

Suggested Pairing

Red wine, if it's simple and crisp, makes an intriguing choice for this dish. A touch of earthiness, such as you'll find in a basic Chianti, helps to tie the wine and food flavors together.