Creamy Bacon & Cauliflower Penne Bake

Penne with Cauliflower, Bacon, and Creamy Tomato Sauce

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this hearty pasta dish that effortlessly combines crispy bacon, roasted cauliflower, and a luscious creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe offers a deliciously satisfying experience. Whether you’re serving a crowd or simply preparing a big batch for leftovers, this dish is sure to be a hit. Feel free to adjust the quantities if you’re cooking for a smaller group or want to keep the recipe on hand for future meals. Here’s how you can make this scrumptious Penne with Cauliflower, Bacon, and Creamy Tomato Sauce from the pages of Food & Wine magazine.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 pounds cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound bacon, chopped
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 1/2 cups Fontina cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This will prepare it for roasting the cauliflower to perfection.

2. Roast the Cauliflower:
   On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets with extra virgin olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Spread the cauliflower out in a single layer to ensure even roasting. Roast in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and beautifully browned. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Bacon:
   In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat, working in batches if necessary, until it is crispy and golden, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, coarsely chop the bacon pieces.

4. Cook the Penne:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.

5. Combine Ingredients:
   To the pot with the cooked penne, stir in the roasted cauliflower, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded Fontina cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

6. Assemble the Dish:
   Lightly butter two large shallow baking dishes. Transfer the penne mixture evenly into the prepared baking dishes. Sprinkle the remaining Fontina cheese and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the top of each dish.

7. Bake to Perfection:
   Place the baking dishes in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Garnish and Serve:
   Once baked, remove the dishes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy this decadent dish with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied and delighted. 🌟🍴🥓🍲

Feel free to adjust the recipe as needed, whether you’re halving it for a smaller gathering or adding more vegetables to suit your taste. This creamy, cheesy pasta is a true crowd-pleaser, embodying comfort food at its finest.