Cauliflower Penne Puttanesca

If you're like me, then the first question you have when you see the title of this recipe is, what is puttanesca? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, puttanesca is defined as: served with or being a pungent tomato sauce typically containing olives, garlic, capers, hot pepper, and sometimes anchovies. Minus the anchovies, that nails this recipe on the head!

When I first came across this recipe, I thought the picture looked really good, but I was a little unsure about how flavorful it would be seeing as one of the main ingredients in cauliflower. I was pleasantly surprised! There was a very heavy tomato flavor that was really good. That combined with all of the other ingredients made for a very delicious meal!

This dish was very simple to put together. A yummy, quick healthy dinner! After having this, I'm going to have to find more recipes that use cauliflower - I was impressed!

Enjoy!

Cauliflower Penne Puttanesca
Real Simple

Total time: 25 minutes Yield: 4 servings

3/4 pound penne or some other short pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 small head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 pounds), cored and cut into small florets
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Grated Parmesan, for serving

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return it to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and their juices, olives, capers, and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon, until the cauliflower is tender, 8 to 10 minutes more.
3. Toss the pasta with the sauce. Serve topped with the parsley and Parmesan.