Pasta with Cauliflower and Olives

Wholesome, comforting, and flavorful, this weeknight pasta dish features cauliflower, garlic, and briny black olives.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 501 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 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
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped, or to taste
• 1 ½ cups chopped black olives
• 1 tablespoon shredded basil leaves

Recipe Instructions

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.