This 5 ingredient pancetta parmesan cauliflower pasta recipe is the perfect easy dinner recipe, and is the first Five-Ingredient Friday of the year!
Pasta is one of my favorite things to make for fast & easy dinners. And with only 5 ingredients, it truly couldn’t be more simple!
While the pasta is cooking, one can make the amazing mix-ins– pancetta and cauliflower, totally delicious! The pancetta crisps up and combines perfectly with cauliflower and pasta, and when combined with cheese – omg, it’s such a great dinner that everyone will love. And the best part, it’s ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes!
I like using whole wheat penne pasta for this dish, but any pasta would work. I’ve also made this dish using bacon in place of pancetta, so it’s totally cusomizable. When draining the water that the pasta is cooking in, you’re going to reserve a little of the pasta water and add it back in – this mixed with the parmesan cheese makes for an almost creamy sauce which brings the pasta dish together.
Next time you’re in need of a super quick dinner recipes, make this 5 ingredient pancetta parmesan cauliflower pasta!
Other recipes you might enjoy:
- 5 Ingredient Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- 5 Ingredient Healthy Pasta for Meal Prep Lunches
- Chicken Feta Spinach Tomato Pasta
5 Ingredient Pancetta Parmesan Cauliflower Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta see note
- 4 ounces pancetta diced
- ½ of a head of cauliflower cut into small florets (about 2 cups of florets)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water, and return the pasta to the pot it was cooked in. Pour the reserved water back into the pot with the pasta.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet over high heat, cook the pancetta, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes, then add in the cauliflower florets and garlic salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Dip a ladle or measuring cup into the pasta water and pour ¼ cup of water into the pancetta and cauliflower and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
- Add the pancetta and cauliflower mixture to the pasta, add the parmesan, stir, and serve.
Nutrition
Little Cooking Tips says
Wow, what an interesting idea adding cauliflower to a classic pasta dish! We haven’t tried cauliflower this way before, sounds really delicious! We also prefer whole wheat pasta and rarely buy the regular ones (usually when making mac and cheese or linguini).
Exceptional work sweetie! May the New Year bring a happy and healthy little baby in your arms! Sending all our love!
xoxoxo
Sweetphi says
Cauliflower with pasta is one of my favorite ways to eat it 😉 Thank you so much for your well wishes 🙂
Vickie says
Yummy !!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much, I think you’d love this!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This looks soooo incredible – can’t believe it’s only 5 ingredients!! Such an easy and delicious dinner recipe 🙂
Sweetphi says
I could hardly believe this pasta had only 5 ingredients, it was sooo good, I legit could of eaten all of it lol.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
You always have the BEST quick and easy meals Phi! I have no idea how you do it! And they all look SO delicious!! This pasta is no exception! Cauliflower is one of my favs, but combined with the pancetta and parmesan with some pasta – YUM!! I’ll take two bowls please! Pinned! Cheers to a wonderful weekend!
Sweetphi says
Wow Cheyanne, you are so kind, thank you for this sweet comment! I’m all about the quick and easy meals and am so happy you like the flavor combinations 🙂
Vivian says
Can’t get enough of cauliflower recipes-Thanks!am going to try it with brocoflower and chicken?yum!