Pasta with Cauliflower and Olives

Directions

Ingredients :

1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 pound penne pasta

½ cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, chopped, or to taste

1 ½ cups chopped black olives

1 tablespoon shredded basil leaves

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste

1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste

Methods :

Step 1

Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender but not mushy, 4 to 6 minutes.

Step 2

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

Step 3

While pasta boils, heat olive oil in another large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and saute briefly, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not brown. Add chopped olives. Saute to heat through, 3 to 4 minutes. Add basil and black pepper.

Step 4

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