Cauliflower and Olive Penne Pasta

Name: Cauliflower and Olive Penne Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 cups Black Olives; 0.5 tsp Black Pepper; 1 whole Cauliflower; 2 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese; 0.5 cup Olive Oil; 1 lb Penne Pasta; 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes; 1 tbsp Shredded Beef

Dinner 🍽️Lunch 🥪 Italian 🇮🇹 Sugar-Free Halal 🕌

Cauliflower and Olive Penne Pasta brings together tender florets, garlicky olive oil, and briny black olives for a balanced, robust bite. A hint of basil, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes rounds out the flavors, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch.

Prep15 mins
Cook20 mins
Serves6
DifficultyEasy

1

Place a steamer insert in a saucepan and add water until it sits just below the steamer. Bring the water to a boil. Add the cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender but not mushy, 4 to 6 minutes.
2

At the same time, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
3

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in another large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté briefly, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not let it brown. Add the chopped olives and sauté until heated through, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the basil and black pepper.
4

Add the steamed cauliflower to the olive mixture and mix well. Lightly mash the cauliflower with a potato masher, leaving some florets intact. Serve over the drained pasta. Top with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.