Lemony Cauliflower Pasta Bake with Ricotta Cheese
Creamy cauliflower pasta bake has surprise pockets of ricotta cheese with a crunchy topping that is comfort food at its best. A bit of lemon and capers add just the right touch for a side dish or main vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Orecchiette pasta/shells (¾ lb)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 head cauliflower (cut into small florets)
- 1 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups fontina cheese (8 ounces)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400º.
- Bring salted water to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
- While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute a layer of cauliflower tossing occasionally until lightly brown and slightly soft, about 5 minutes. Remove and add to the cooked pasta.
- Add Sage, capers, garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to the pot. Stir to combine. Add grated fontina and transfer half of the mixture to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spoon ricotta onto the mixture by tablespoons and then spoon the remaining pasta over the ricotta.
- In a small bowl, combine panko, parmesan, parsley and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle over pasta mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Video
Barbara's Notes + Tips
- This is not a spicy dish but if you love spice, you can easily add some more red pepper flakes.
- You could substitute Ritz Crackers for the panko topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 2194mg | Potassium: 390mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 587IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 325mg | Iron: 1mg
