Pasta with Bacon and Cauliflower

Serves 4 Hands-On Time: 30m Total Time: 30m

Ingredients

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

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ¾ cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
2. 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. Crumble.
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, ¼ cup water, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper to the bacon drippings in 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 pasta water and ½ cup of the pecorino to the pasta and toss until creamy. Add the cauliflower, sage, and bacon and toss. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of pecorino.

By Kate Merker, Real Simple Magazine- March 2010