Best 6 Pasta With Bacon And Cauliflower Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with our exquisite Pasta with Bacon and Cauliflower, a dish that tantalizes taste buds and nourishes the body. This delectable pasta dish is a harmonious blend of crispy bacon, tender cauliflower florets, and al dente pasta, enveloped in a creamy Parmesan sauce that elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Within this culinary guide, you'll embark on a journey of culinary discovery, mastering three distinct variations of this delectable dish. The Classic Pasta with Bacon and Cauliflower serves as the foundation, a culinary cornerstone upon which two other remarkable recipes are built.

For those seeking a lighter and healthier rendition, the Lightened Up Pasta with Bacon and Cauliflower offers a guilt-free indulgence. This variation artfully balances flavor and well-being, using skim milk and reduced-fat cheese to create a luscious sauce without sacrificing richness.

Finally, the One-Pot Pasta with Bacon and Cauliflower emerges as a masterpiece of convenience and efficiency. This culinary symphony requires just one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Its creamy sauce, infused with bacon and cauliflower, gracefully coats the pasta, resulting in a harmonious union of textures and tastes.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure, transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. Allow this versatile dish to grace your table, captivating palates and creating memories that linger long after the last bite.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

PASTA WITH BACON AND CAULIFLOWER



Pasta With Bacon and Cauliflower image

Five-ingredient recipe for Pasta with Bacon and Cauliflower.

Provided by Kate Merker

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 6

12 ounces spaghetti (3/4 box)
6 slices bacon
0.33 cup fresh sage leaves
1 small head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets
kosher salt and black pepper
0.75 cup grated pecorino (3 ounces)

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving ¾ cup of the cooking water, and return the pasta to the pot.
  • Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble.
  • Add the sage to the drippings in the skillet and cook over medium heat, turning once, until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.
  • Add the cauliflower, ¼ cup water, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper to the drippings in the skillet and cook, covered, for 2 minutes.
  • Uncover and cook, tossing frequently, until golden and tender, 3 to 4 minutes more.
  • Add the reserved pasta water and ½ cup pecorino to the pasta; toss until creamy. Add the cauliflower, sage, and bacon and toss. Sprinkle with remaining pecorino.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 489 kcal, Carbohydrate 68 g, Cholesterol 26 mg, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 737 mg, Sugar 3 g, Fat 12 g, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

PASTA WITH BACON AND CAULIFLOWER



PASTA WITH BACON AND CAULIFLOWER image

Two of my favorite foods mixed with pasta? You bet! It's gotta be wonderful! Very quick and easy and with a couple tweaks can be even easier! Recipe & photo: Realsimple.com

Provided by Ellen Bales

Categories     Pasta

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 7

12 oz spaghetti (3/4 box) or pasta of your choice
6 slice bacon
1/3 c fresh sage leaves
1 small head cauliflower cut into small florets
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3/4 c grated pecorino or parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 3/4 cup of the cooking water; drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  • 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool; then break into pieces.
  • 3. Add the sage to the bacon drippings in the skillet and cook over medium heat, turning once, until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the paper towel-lined plate.
  • 4. Add the cauliflower, 1/4 cup water, salt and pepper to the skillet and cook, covered, for 2 minutes. Uncover and cook, tossing frequently, until golden and tender, 3 to 4 minutes more.
  • 5. Add the reserved cooking water and 1/2 cup of the cheese to the pasta and toss until creamy. Add the cauliflower, sage, and bacon, and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese before serving.
  • 6. NOTE: If you're pinched for time, you may use a jar of real bacon bits and 2 (10 oz.) packages of frozen cauliflower, thawed. One to two tablespoons dried sage may be substituted for 1/3 cup fresh sage.

PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER



Pasta With Cauliflower image

This dish is derived from a Marcella Hazan recipe. It's dead simple, and the cauliflower can be precooked a day ahead or so. Or, the whole thing can be made at once: cook the cauliflower in water, scoop it out and then, later, cook the pasta in the same water. It's already boiling, and you want the taste of the cauliflower anyway, so why not? The cauliflower gets cooked more, in a skillet with toasted garlic, so don't boil it to death, although you do want it to be tender. And in the original Minimalist recipe, from 2000, bread crumbs were added to the skillet along with the cauliflower, but since some pasta water is usually added to the skillet to keep the mixture saucy, the bread crumbs become soggy. Better, then, to stir the bread crumbs in at the very end. They should be very coarse and ideally homemade, and if they're toasted in olive oil in a separate skillet before you toss them in, so much the better.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, easy, main course

Time 40m

Yield 3 or 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 head cauliflower, about 1 pound
Salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound penne, fusilli or other cut pasta
1 cup coarse bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Trim the cauliflower and divide it into florets. Add about a tablespoon of salt to the water and boil cauliflower until it is tender but not mushy. Using a slotted spoon or strainer, remove the cauliflower and set it aside. When it is cool enough to handle, chop it roughly into small pieces.
  • Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet over medium-low heat, sauté garlic in olive oil, stirring occasionally, until garlic is golden. Start cooking pasta in same pot and same water as was used for the cauliflower.
  • When the garlic is ready, add the cauliflower to skillet and turn heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally. When pasta is just about done - it should be 2 or 3 minutes short of the way you like it - drain it, reserving about a cup of cooking liquid.
  • Add pasta to skillet containing the cauliflower, and toss with a large spoon until they are well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with just enough pasta water to keep the mixture moist but not soupy. When the mixture is hot and the pasta is tender and nicely glazed, mix in the bread crumbs.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 686, UnsaturatedFat 13 grams, Carbohydrate 112 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 678 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER, BACON AND SAGE



Pasta With Cauliflower, Bacon and Sage image

A comforting dinner for a cold night, this hearty pasta has all the makings of a crowd-pleaser like fried sage leaves, crispy bacon and nutty roasted cauliflower. This recipe demonstrates the magic of starchy pasta water: Swirled with lemon juice and Parmesan, it creates a luxurious sauce without the addition of cream or butter. Add more pasta water than you think you need, so the pasta stays moist as it absorbs the sauce.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 medium head cauliflower (2 to 2 1/2 pounds), cored and cut into 3/4-inch florets
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, diced
1 packed cup fresh sage leaves
1 pound short pasta, such as gemelli, casarecce or penne
Zest and juice of one 1 lemon, separated
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the cauliflower on a sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and toss to coat. Roast, tossing occasionally, until tender and browned all over, 20 to 25 minutes. While the cauliflower roasts, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Heat a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the sage leaves to pan and fry until they begin to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sage leaves to the plate with the bacon. Drain all but 3 tablespoons of fat from the skillet (or add additional olive oil, if needed) and remove from heat.
  • Add 1 tablespoon salt to the boiling water and cook the pasta until just al dente, reserving 1 1/2 cups of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and add to the reserved skillet; heat over low. Pour or squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta, along with 1 cup pasta water and the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Toss until the sauce comes together.
  • Stir in the cauliflower, bacon and sage, adding a splash more pasta water if the pasta seems dry. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with lemon zest, and serve with extra Parmesan on the side.

PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER, BACON & BREADCRUMBS RECIPE - (4.2/5)



Pasta with Cauliflower, Bacon & Breadcrumbs Recipe - (4.2/5) image

Provided by Foodiewife

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large head cauliflower (3 pounds), cored and cut into 1-inch florets
1 onion, chopped fine
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
1 pound campanelle pasta (I used farfalle)
5 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
NOTE: Since I had a small head of cauliflower, I halved all of the ingredients, which yielded 4 servings.

Steps:

  • BACON PANKO TOPPING: Cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Add panko and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until panko is well browned, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer panko mixture to bowl and wipe out skillet. CAULIFLOWER: Heat 5 teaspoons oil in now-empty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add cauliflower and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is crisp-tender and browned in spots, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm. PASTA: Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion, thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until onion has softened, 4 to 7 minutes. Increase heat to high, add pasta, broth, and wine, and bring to simmer. Cook pasta, stirring frequently, until most of liquid is absorbed and pasta is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat; stir in parsley, lemon juice, and cauliflower; and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, passing panko mixture and lemon wedges separately.

CAULIFLOWER & BACON PASTA



Cauliflower & bacon pasta image

Cauliflower and macaroni cheese in one pasta bake? This family-friendly gratin is comforting and filling

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 10

200g streaky bacon
300g dried pasta
1 cauliflower , cut into large florets
25g butter
25g plain flour
300ml milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
140g cheddar , grated
1 soft wholemeal roll , whizzed to breadcrumbs
salad , to serve, (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the grill to high and bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Grill the bacon slices for 5 mins or until crispy, then drain on kitchen paper and cut into small pieces.
  • Cook the pasta following pack instructions. Add the cauliflower to the pasta pan for the final 8 mins, so that it is just tender, then drain, reserving 2 tbsp of the cooking water.
  • Melt the butter in a small pan over a low heat, then stir in the flour and cook for a couple of mins. Gradually stir in the milk, mixing well between each addition. Bring to a simmer, then cook for a few mins until thickened. Season, add the mustard and half the grated cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Tip the pasta and cauliflower back into the pan along with the reserved cooking water. Stir through the cheese sauce and bacon, then transfer the mix to a baking dish. Mix together the breadcrumbs and remaining cheese, then sprinkle over the pasta. Cook for 5 mins under the grill until browned. Serve with a salad, if you like.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 673 calories, Fat 34 grams fat, SaturatedFat 16 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 56 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, Sodium 2.8 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Choose the right type of pasta. Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal for this dish, as they can hold the bacon and cauliflower without becoming overwhelmed.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. When cooking the bacon, make sure to give it enough space so that it can crisp up properly. If you overcrowd the pan, the bacon will steam instead of frying.
  • Cook the cauliflower until it is tender but still has a bit of a bite. You don't want the cauliflower to be mushy, so be careful not to overcook it.
  • Add the pasta to the pan with the bacon and cauliflower towards the end of the cooking time. This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming overcooked.
  • Season the dish to taste. Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to taste.
  • Serve immediately. Pasta is best served hot, so make sure to enjoy it right away.

Conclusion:

This pasta with bacon and cauliflower is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover bacon and cauliflower. With its simple ingredients and flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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