Easy bake! Breadcrumbs, cauliflower liven up the pasta bake

Toasted breadcrumbs are pure genius. They put old bread to new use and add flavor, texture and interest to whatever they grace.

To make sure you always have a touch of crunch around, buy panko, or Japanese breadcrumbs. Unlike run-of-the-mill packaged breadcrumbs, panko is made from crustless bread, producing a coarser yet lighter crumb. The result? A crunchier, lighter breading that doesn’t get soggy or weigh down a dish.

This pasta bake with cauliflower is a dish to soothe the soul. The crunchy panko provides a great contrast with the tender cauliflower and pasta.

Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower and Crumbs

• 2 pounds cauliflower florets (about 2 medium heads)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 12 ounces dried rigatoni (or other) chunky pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• ½ cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon anchovy paste
• 1⁄8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or to taste)
• 2⁄3 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
• ¼ cups chopped fresh mint

Preheat oven to 500F.

Slice cauliflower florets into halves vertically (quarters if large), toss with 2 tablespoons oil, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Roast 10 minutes, then turn cauliflower and roast 5 minutes more, or until tender and browned.

Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving ½ cup cooking water. While pasta is cooking, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet. Add panko, and cook 3 minutes or until browned. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon each oil and butter in skillet. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden. Add red pepper and anchovy paste, stirring well; add cauliflower and toss well.

Return drained pasta to pot with ½ cup of the cooking water. Add cauliflower mixture and Romano, cover and cook 3 minutes. Stir in mint and black pepper. Spoon into serving bowls and sprinkle with the toasted panko. Serves 6.

— Recipe by Laraine Perri