Categories: Pasta
Ingredients
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 pound medium shells
- Good olive oil
- 2 1/2 pounds cauliflower, cut into small florets (1 large head)
- 3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh sage leaves
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups freshly grated Italian Fontina Val d'Aosta cheese, lightly packed (10 ounces with rind)
- 1 cup (8 ounces) fresh ricotta
- 1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread flakes)
- 6 tablespoons freshly grated Italian Pecorino cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
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Fill a large pot with water, add 2 tablespoons salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook al dente, according to the instructions on the package. Since it will be baked later, don’t overcook it! Drain and pour into a very large bowl.
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Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium-high heat, add half the cauliflower in one layer, and saute for 5 to 6 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the florets are lightly browned and tender. Pour the cauliflower, including the small bits, into the bowl with the pasta. Add 3 more tablespoons of oil to the saute pan, add the remaining cauliflower, cook until browned and tender, and add to the bowl.
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Add the sage, capers, garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to the bowl and stir carefully. Stir in the Fontina. Transfer half of the mixture to a 10 × 13 × 2-inch rectangular baking dish. Spoon rounded tablespoons of ricotta on the pasta and spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top. Combine the panko, Pecorino, parsley, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until browned and crusty on top. Serve hot.