Penne with Cauliflower and Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions make just about any dish better!
By Ree Drummond
Jump to recipe
Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Don't rush those onions! Caramelized onions take at least 20 or 25 minutes to get golden and sweet.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 12 oz. penne
- 2 cups fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- Grated zest of 1 lemon, plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- Step 1Cover the raisins with 1 cup hot water in a bowl and let sit until plump, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and a deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, ¾ cup water, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until the water is evaporated and the cauliflower is tender and turning golden brown in some spots, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Step 4While the cauliflower cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Reserve 1½ cups cooking water, then drain.
- Step 5Add the pasta, caramelized onion, parsley, parmesan, pine nuts, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 cup reserved cooking water, the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to the skillet with the cauliflower. Cook, stirring constantly and adding more cooking water if needed, until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Gently fold in the raisins. Top the pasta with more parmesan, if desired.
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