Orecchiette with Cauliflower, Anchovies, and Fried Croutons

Ingredients for Orecchiette with Cauliflower, Anchovies, and Fried Croutons

• 1 large head of cauliflower (28 to 850g ), trimmed, cut into 1-inch florets

• 120ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 450g orecchiette (little ear-shaped pasta) or medium-size shell pasta

• 350ml 1/3-inch cubes crusty country-style bread

• 3 medium courgette, trimmed, cut into 1/3-inch cubes (about 450g )

• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped

• 7 anchovy fillets, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley, divided

• 1/3 cup (packed) freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus additional for serving

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Preheat oven to 218°C. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil in large bowl to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and spread in single layer on large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until cauliflower florets are tender and beginning to brown in spots, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes. Cool to room temperature. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling generously salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta, reserving 325ml pasta cooking liquid. Set pasta and cooking liquid aside separately.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large deep nonstick skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. Add bread cubes and sauté until golden brown and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to small bowl and cool. Reserve skillet or pot.

Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to same skillet or pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add courgette and garlic and sauté until courgette is golden brown and crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add cauliflower and anchovies and sauté until heated through, 3 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add drained pasta, reserved 325ml pasta cooking liquid, remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/3 cup parsley, 1/3 cup Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano cheese and toss to coat. Season pasta to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Divide pasta among 6 bowls; sprinkle with fried croutons, remaining parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.