Orecchiette With Cauliflower, Breadcrumbs, Pancetta

Name: Orecchiette With Cauliflower, Breadcrumbs, Pancetta, And Pepitas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds cauliflower, broken into bite sized pieces; 1 pound of orecchiette (if unavailable use conchiglie or cavatelli); 1 cup fresh bread crumbs; 1/2 cup pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds); 1/4 cup of good olive oil; 3 thick slices of pancetta, cut into small dice.; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 lemon wedge; 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese; 1/2 cup chopped parsley

Servings: persons

1
Set a large pot of salted water to boil. When it gets to a boil, drop the cauliflower in and blanch for about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2
In a large, non stick skillet, dry toast first the bread crumbs until they are browned and then the pepitas until they start to pop. Set both ingredients aside.
3
Drop the pasta into the water to cook until al dente.
4
Put the oil in the skillet and fry the bacon pieces until crispy. Add the cauliflower and chopped garlic to the skillet and saute for about 2 minutes.
5
Drain pasta (reserving a quarter cup of the pasta water). Add pasta to skillet with 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add lemon juice, pecorino cheese, and parsley and mix well. Adjust for salt and pepper.
6
Remove from heat and stir in bread crumbs and pepitas.
7
Serve warm.

324

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 pounds cauliflower, broken into bite sized pieces, 1 pound of orecchiette (if unavailable use conchiglie or cavatelli), 1 cup fresh bread crumbs, 1/2 cup pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds), and more.

Yes, Orecchiette With Cauliflower, Breadcrumbs, Pancetta, And Pepitas falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Orecchiette With Cauliflower, Breadcrumbs, Pancetta, And Pepitas

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions