Best 7 Rigatoni And Cauliflower Al Forno Recipes

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Rigatoni and cauliflower al forno is a flavorful baked pasta dish that combines the hearty texture of rigatoni with the tender-crisp goodness of roasted cauliflower. This vegetarian-friendly dish is a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor. With its rich, creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and colorful vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

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RIGATONI AND CAULIFLOWER AL FORNO RECIPE - (3.4/5)



Rigatoni and Cauliflower al Forno Recipe - (3.4/5) image

Provided by á-49759

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound rigatoni or other large pasta shape
1 medium cauliflower, about 1 1/2 pounds
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon capers, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
3 tablespoons roughly chopped sage, plus a few sage leaves left whole
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
6 ounces coarsely grated fontina or mozzarella
2 ounces finely grated Romano cheese or other hard pecorino
1/2 cup coarse dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • Cook the rigatoni in well-salted water according to package directions, but drain while still quite al dente. (If directions call for 12 minutes cooking, cook for 10 instead.) Rinse pasta with cool water, then drain again and set aside. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cauliflower in half from top to bottom. Cut out tough core and stem any extraneous leaves. Lay cauliflower flat side down and cut crosswise into rough 1/4-inch slices. Break into smaller pieces. Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over high heat. Add cauliflower slices, along with any crumbly pieces, in one layer. (Work in batches if necessary.) Let cauliflower brown and caramelize for about 2 minutes, then turn pieces over to brown the other side. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork. It's fine if some pieces don't brown evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add capers, garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped sage, sage leaves and lemon zest and stir to coat. Put cooked cauliflower mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add cooked rigatoni and fontina and toss. Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish. Top with Romano cheese, then with bread crumbs and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon olive oil. (Dish may be completed to this point up to several hours in advance and kept at room temperature, covered.) Bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, until top is crisp and golden. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

RIGATONI AND CAULIFLOWER AL FORNO



Rigatoni and Cauliflower al Forno image

Cauliflower is perhaps the least appreciated member of the large family of cruciferous vegetables, no doubt due to memories of encountering it boiled, flabby and timidly seasoned, if seasoned at all. When cooked properly, it is a delight. Cauliflower can stand up to rather bold seasoning, in fact. In this recipe, it gets garlic, sage, red pepper and capers. And it is browned in olive oil, which further enhances the flavor. If you want a terrific side vegetable, just serve the sautéed cauliflower and skip the rigatoni. But combining the cauliflower with large-format pasta, pecorino cheese and bread crumbs, then baking it until crisply golden, makes for a splendid meal.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, lunch, pastas, main course

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound rigatoni or other large pasta shape
1 medium cauliflower, about 1 1/2 pounds
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon capers, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
3 tablespoons roughly chopped sage, plus a few sage leaves left whole
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
6 ounces coarsely grated fontina or mozzarella
2 ounces finely grated Romano cheese or other hard pecorino
1/2 cup coarse dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • Cook the rigatoni in well-salted water according to package directions, but drain while still quite al dente. (If directions call for 12 minutes cooking, cook for 10 instead.) Rinse pasta with cool water, then drain again and set aside.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cauliflower in half from top to bottom. Cut out tough core and stem any extraneous leaves. Lay cauliflower flat side down and cut crosswise into rough 1/4-inch slices. Break into smaller pieces.
  • Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over high heat. Add cauliflower slices, along with any crumbly pieces, in one layer. (Work in batches if necessary.) Let cauliflower brown and caramelize for about 2 minutes, then turn pieces over to brown the other side. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork. It's fine if some pieces don't brown evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add capers, garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped sage, sage leaves and lemon zest and stir to coat.
  • Put cooked cauliflower mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add cooked rigatoni and fontina and toss. Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish. Top with Romano cheese, then with bread crumbs and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon olive oil. (Dish may be completed to this point up to several hours in advance and kept at room temperature, covered.)
  • Bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, until top is crisp and golden. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 521, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 70 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 23 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 575 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

RIGATONI AL FORNO WITH GORGONZOLA SAUCE RECIPE - (4/5)



Rigatoni al Forno with Gorgonzola Sauce Recipe - (4/5) image

Provided by á-18

Number Of Ingredients 13

Gorgonzola Sauce:
1 pkg (250 g or 300 g) Philadelphia cream cheese
1 cup (4 oz) grana padana or parmesan
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup milk
4 oz (100 g) gorgonzola cheese, cubed
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Pasta al Forno:
250 g (1/4 kg) rigatoni pasta
1 recipe for Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce
150 g speck (pancetta or bacon), thinly sliced
1 cup of frozen peas
1 tbsp bread crumbs for garnishing (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 deg F / 180 deg C. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni according to package instructions, about 12 minutes. 3. In the meantime, prepare the Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce. In a medium sauce pan, mix together the ingredients for the sauce (except for parsley) and cook over medium-low heat until melted and well blended. Occasionally stir the sauce until it thickens up. Remove from heat and add parsley. Set aside. 4. As the sauce is cooking, heat a small non-stick frying pan, about 1 minute, and then add the speck, pancetta or bacon. Cook until the meat doesn't appear to be raw, anymore (not browned), about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside. I added a bit of salt so the speck wouldn't taste bland when mixed with pasta. 5. Drain pasta when done and transfer back into the pot. Add speck, frozen peas, and Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce. Mix well and then transfer to a 1.5-2 L baking casserole and sprinkle with bread crumbs on top (optional). 6. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a tossed green salad and garlic bread, if desired.

RIGATONI AND CAULIFLOWER AL FORNO



Rigatoni and Cauliflower Al Forno image

Make and share this Rigatoni and Cauliflower Al Forno recipe from Food.com.

Provided by lecole54

Categories     European

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb rigatoni pasta
1 medium cauliflower, about 1-1/2 pounds
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided (extra-virgin)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon capers, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
3 tablespoons sage, roughly chopped plus a few sage leaves left whole
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
6 ounces Fontina cheese, coarsely grated (can substitute mozzarella)
2 ounces romano cheese, finely grated (or other hard pecorino)
1/2 breadcrumbs, coarse and dry
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cauliflower in half from top to bottom. Cut out tough core and stem any extraneous leaves. Lay cauliflower flat side down and cut crosswise into rough 1/4-inch slices. Break into smaller pieces.
  • Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over high heat. Add cauliflower slices, along with any crumbly pieces, in one layer. (Work in batches if necessary.) Let cauliflower brown and caramelize for about 2 minutes, then turn pieces over to brown the other side. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork. It's fine if some pieces don't brown evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add capers, garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped sage, sage leaves and lemon zest and stir to coat.
  • Put cooked cauliflower mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add cooked rigatoni and fontina and toss. Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish. Top with Romano cheese, then with bread crumbs and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon olive oil. (Dish may be completed to this point up to several hours in advance and kept at room temperature, covered.).
  • Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes, until top is crisp and golden. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 549.4, Fat 24.2, SaturatedFat 9.3, Cholesterol 106.6, Sodium 429.9, Carbohydrate 61.1, Fiber 5, Sugar 3.9, Protein 23.2

RIGATONI & CAULIFLOWER AL FORNO



RIGATONI & CAULIFLOWER AL FORNO image

Categories     Pasta     Vegetarian

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound rigatoni or other large pasta shape
1 medium cauliflower, about 1 1/2 pounds
Extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon capers, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
3 tablespoons roughly chopped sage, plus a few sage leaves left whole
½ teaspoon lemon zest
6 ounces coarsely grated fontina or mozzarella
2 ounces finely grated Romano cheese or other hard pecorino
½ cup coarse dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • Cook the rigatoni in well-salted water according to package directions, but drain while still quite al dente. (If directions call for 12 minutes cooking, cook for 10 instead.) Rinse pasta with cool water, then drain again and set aside. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cauliflower in half from top to bottom. Cut out tough core and stem any extraneous leaves. Lay cauliflower flat side down and cut crosswise into rough 1/4-inch slices. Break into smaller pieces. Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over high heat. Add cauliflower slices, along with any crumbly pieces, in one layer. (Work in batches if necessary.) Let cauliflower brown and caramelize for about 2 minutes, then turn pieces over to brown the other side. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork. It's fine if some pieces don't brown evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add capers, garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped sage, sage leaves and lemon zest and stir to coat. Put cooked cauliflower mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add cooked rigatoni and fontina and toss. Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish. Top with Romano cheese, then with bread crumbs and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon olive oil. (Dish may be completed to this point up to several hours in advance and kept at room temperature, covered.) Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes, until top is crisp and golden. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

RIGATONI AND CAULIFLOWER AL FORNO



Rigatoni and Cauliflower al Forno image

Rigatoni And Cauliflower Al Forno With Rigatoni, Cauliflower, Extra-virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Capers, Garlic Cloves, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Sage, Lemon Zest, Fontina, Grated Romano Cheese, Dry Bread Crumbs, Flat-leaf Parsley

Provided by LaurenClyneMedley

Categories     Main Dishes

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound rigatoni or other large pasta shape
1 cauliflower medium, about 1 1/2 pounds
extra-virgin olive oil
salt
1 tablespoon capers roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more to taste
3 tablespoons sage roughly chopped, plus a few sage leaves left whole
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
6 ounces Fontina coarsely grated, or mozzarella
2 ounces grated romano cheese finely, or other hard pecorino
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs coarse
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley chopped, for garnish, optional

Steps:

  • Cook the rigatoni in well-salted water according to package directions, but drain while still quite al dente. (If directions call for 12 minutes cooking, cook for 10 instead.) Rinse pasta with cool water, then drain again and set aside.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cut cauliflower in half from top to bottom. Cut out tough core and stem any extraneous leaves. Lay cauliflower flat side down and cut crosswise into rough 1/4-inch slices. Break into smaller pieces.
  • Put 3 tablespoons olive oil in a wide skillet over high heat. Add cauliflower slices, along with any crumbly pieces, in one layer. (Work in batches if necessary.) Let cauliflower brown and caramelize for about 2 minutes, then turn pieces over to brown the other side. Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the cauliflower is easily pierced with a fork. It's fine if some pieces don't brown evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add capers, garlic, red pepper flakes, chopped sage, sage leaves and lemon zest and stir to coat.
  • Put cooked cauliflower mixture in a large mixing bowl. Add cooked rigatoni and fontina and toss. Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled baking dish. Top with Romano cheese, then with bread crumbs and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon olive oil. (Dish may be completed to this point up to several hours in advance and kept at room temperature, covered.)
  • Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes, until top is crisp and golden. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 510 calories, Carbohydrate 48 grams, Cholesterol 100 milligrams, Fat 24 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 27 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 960 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams

RIGATONI AL FORNO WITH CAULIFLOWER AND BROCCOLI RABE



Rigatoni al Forno With Cauliflower and Broccoli Rabe image

This baked pasta - please don't call it a "pasta bake" - is a luscious affair, with two sauces. A creamy white béchamel is employed to toss with the pasta and vegetables. When it emerges, bubbly and bronzed and crisp on top, a bright, light tomato sauce adorns each serving. (If preferred, you can layer both sauces instead.) Putting it together is somewhat like building a lasagna - a bit of a fussy project - but once assembled, it's no trouble at all to bake and serve. Prepare it all several hours in advance, then pop it in the oven when you like.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, or use half-and-half for a richer sauce
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg, or to taste
1 small bay leaf
3 cups canned tomatoes, whole or crushed tomatoes (from a 28-ounce can)
1 1/2 cups chopped onion, any kind
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 bay leaf or a few basil leaves
Kosher salt
Kosher salt
1 pound rigatoni
1 medium cauliflower, chopped (about 3 cups)
1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped (about 3 cups)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
Black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
1 cup grated provolone (about 3 ounces), plus more for serving
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano (about 3 ounces), plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Make the béchamel: Put the olive oil and flour in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk together. Let mixture sizzle without browning for 1 minute. Whisk in milk 1 cup at a time, letting it come up to a simmer and begin to thicken before adding the next cup. Repeat until all the milk has been added.
  • When the sauce has thickened to the consistency of a milkshake, turn heat to low. Add 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Add the nutmeg and bay leaf, and cook for 10 minutes, whisking occasionally. Check seasoning and adjust. Turn off heat and keep sauce warm. (If sauce thickens upon sitting, thin with a little more milk.)
  • Make the tomato sauce: In a small saucepan, put tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, bay leaf or basil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a blender (remove bay leaf before blending but leave in basil, if using). Purée to a velvety consistency and return to the saucepan. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep sauce warm, or let cool and reheat before serving.
  • Make the pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until nearly done, about 2 minutes less than package directions, leaving the pasta still quite firm. Lift pasta from the water with a spider or large strainer, and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool.
  • Add cauliflower to pot and cook until barely softened, 1 minute. Lift from the water with a spider or large strainer and spread out to cool on a baking sheet.
  • Add the broccoli rabe and cook until just wilted, 1 minute, then drain in a colander. Rinse with cool water, then squeeze into a ball.
  • Put cauliflower and broccoli rabe into the empty pasta pot. Add garlic, rosemary and red-pepper flakes, and stir together. Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil.
  • Add the béchamel and the rigatoni. Mix well with the cauliflower and broccoli rabe. Add the provolone and Pecorino Romano, and mix well again.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pile the pasta mixture into an oiled 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake until nicely browned and crisp on top, about 40 minutes. Leave to rest for 10 minutes before serving. (Alternatively, refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 6 hours and bake later. Bring to room temperature before baking.)
  • To serve, put a large spoonful of pasta into individual bowls or plates, making sure each portion has some of the crisp top. Spoon some tomato sauce around each portion and sprinkle with more grated cheese.

Tips:

  • Choose the right cauliflower: Look for a head of cauliflower that is compact and has tightly packed florets. Avoid heads with brown spots or blemishes.
  • Roast the cauliflower before adding it to the pasta: Roasting the cauliflower brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor.
  • Use a good quality pasta: Rigatoni is a sturdy pasta that can hold up to the rich sauce and vegetables in this dish. Look for a pasta made with durum wheat, which has a higher protein content and a more al dente texture.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick enough: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta and vegetables. If it's too thin, add a little more flour or cornstarch.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won't hold its shape well.
  • Serve the pasta immediately: Rigatoni and cauliflower al forno is best served immediately, while the pasta is still hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Rigatoni and cauliflower al forno is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. Try adding different vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or spinach. Or, you can use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rotini. No matter how you make it, rigatoni and cauliflower al forno is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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