Cauliflower Penne Puttanesca

By courtneyepowell

Ingredients

• 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

Preparation

Step 1

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, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ 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.