Whole Wheat Penne with Roasted Cauliflower and Parsley Pesto
Pesto typically made with basil can be made with a variety of herbs including arugula, cilantro, dill, oregano, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme. Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy and gets its name because it was originally made with a mortar and pestle.

Ingredients

2 lb cauliflower, sliced in 2-in x 2-in pieces Extra virgin…

CIA FOODIES

Whole Wheat Penne with Roasted Cauliflower and Parsley Pesto

Pesto typically made with basil can be made with a variety of herbs including arugula, cilantro, dill, oregano, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme. Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy and gets its name because it was originally made with a mortar and pestle.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb cauliflower, sliced in 2-in x 2-in pieces
  • Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
  • Kosher or sea salt, as needed
  • Ground black pepper, as needed
  • 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2/3 cup Parsley Pesto 
  • 3/4 cup oil-cured black olives, pitted and cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 cup canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • Crushed red pepper, as needed (optional)
  • 3/4 cup Asiago or Parmesan cheese, thinly shaved
  • Fresh mint sprigs for garnish, as needed
Parsley Pesto
  • 3 cups packed fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 teaspoons roasted garlic, chopped (see Chef's notes)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons pistachios, almonds, or pine nuts, toasted (see Chef's notes)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Parmesan or Asiago cheese, freshly grated
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher or sea salt, as needed
  • Ground black pepper, as needed

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Brush both sides of the cauliflower with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put in the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, or until the cauliflower is nicely browned and tender.
  2. Meanwhile, for the pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine the parsley, garlic, pistachios, cheese, lemon zest, and olive oil and process until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Store, covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  3. In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the pasta until just al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
  4. In a large warm bowl, add 1/2 cup of the pesto and some of the reserved hot water, stirring to create a sauce. Add the hot pasta along with the cauliflower, olives, beans, and crushed red pepper (if using); toss to coat with the pesto sauce. If the mixture seems dry, adjust by adding a small amount of the reserved hot water and the remaining pesto.
  5. Top with cheese and mint. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef's Notes: To roast garlic: Cut off the top 1/3 of a head of garlic. Place the garlic on a square of aluminum foil large enough to enclose it. Drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap the garlic in the foil, and seal closed to make a pouch. Roast in a 400°F oven until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. To roast nuts: Arrange the nuts in a single layer on a sheet tray and place in a 350°F oven and roast for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden brown, checking frequently to prevent burning. burning.

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