If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful first course, pasta with cauliflower and crispy guanciale is a perfect choice! This recipe combines the delicate sweetness of cauliflower with the irresistible savory taste of guanciale made crispy in the pan, creating a contrast of textures and flavors that wins you over at the first bite.
It’s easy to prepare and ideal for the colder seasons, this dish allows you to bring to the table a tasty alternative to classic pasta with vegetables, without giving up the intense flavor of guanciale. Plus, you can customize it with aged cheeses or lighter variants to suit your taste. Find out how to prepare it in just a few steps!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter, and Spring
Ingredients
- 11 oz Short pasta
- 12 oz Cauliflower
- 5 oz Guanciale
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Tools
- 1 Pot
- 1 Pan
- 1 Slotted spoon
- 1 Colander
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Preparation
Bring a pot of water to a boil.
Wash and clean the cauliflower, removing the outer leaves and dividing the florets.
If the florets are too large, cut them in half.
Boil them in the hot water for about 10 minutes, until they are tender but firm.Cut the guanciale into thin strips.
Put it in a pan without adding oil and let it brown for about 5 minutes until crispy.
Scoop out the cauliflower with a slotted spoon and transfer it to the pan with the guanciale, mixing well.In the same pot where you boiled the cauliflower, add salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Drain the pasta directly into the pan with the guanciale and cauliflower.
Turn on the heat and sauté everything together for a minute, adding a dash of pepper.
Serve the pasta hot.
Storage
Pasta with cauliflower and guanciale is best eaten right away. If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, pass it in a pan with a drizzle of oil or some cooking water to make it creamy again.
Tips and Variations
Alternative ingredients: You can replace guanciale with bacon, preferably smoked for a stronger flavor.
Cheese addition: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle the dish with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Light variations: If you want to make the dish lighter, you can replace guanciale with crispy prosciutto or omit it entirely, adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for flavor.
FAQ – Pasta with Cauliflower and Crispy Guanciale
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, but short pasta holds the sauce better.
Can guanciale be replaced with a vegetarian alternative?
Sure! You can use toasted nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or add some smoked tofu for a similar taste.
Pasta with cauliflower and crispy guanciale is a perfect recipe for those who love flavorful yet simple dishes to prepare. The contrast between the soft cauliflower and the crispy guanciale makes it irresistible, and with a few small adjustments, you can customize it to suit your taste. Try it and let me know in the comments how you prepared it!
