Il Cucinologo
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Baked Pasta with Cauliflower and Sausage

17/11/2023

Baked pasta with cauliflower and sausage is a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for the coldest days or for a hearty meal with company. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients

  • 350 g short pasta (macaroni, rigatoni, penne)
  • 1 medium cauliflower
  • 300 g sausage
  • 200 g mozzarella (or mild provola)
  • 50 g grated Parmesan
  • 400 ml béchamel
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Nutmeg

Preparation

  1. Start by cleaning the cauliflower, dividing it into florets and rinsing under running water. Then, cook the florets in boiling salted water for about 5-7 minutes or until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil with a peeled garlic clove. Once the garlic is golden, add the sausage removed from its casing and crumbled with a fork. Cook until well browned, then remove the garlic and set aside.

  3. Prepare a thick béchamel by heating the milk in a pot and gradually adding the sifted flour, stirring to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper and a grating of nutmeg.

  4. Dice the mozzarella and grate the Parmesan. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.

  5. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for about half the time indicated on the package; it should be very al dente.

  6. Drain the pasta and mix it in a large bowl with the cauliflower, sausage, mozzarella, béchamel and half of the grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.

  7. Oil a baking dish, pour in the pasta mixture and level it. Sprinkle with the remaining grated Parmesan.

  8. Bake the cauliflower and sausage pasta and cook for about 20-30 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.

  9. Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Fun Facts

Baked pasta is a classic of Italian home cooking, often prepared for special occasions or Sundays. It is an extremely versatile dish that allows you to vary the ingredients according to tastes and seasons. For example, you could add Swiss chard or spinach for an extra touch of green, or cherry tomatoes for a hint of acidity.