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Baked Orecchiette with Cauliflower, Bacon and Taleggio in white baking dish.
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4.50 from 2 votes

Cheesy Baked Orecchiette with Cauliflower

Cheesy Baked Orecchiette with Cauliflower, Bacon and Taleggio is comfort food with a touch of elegance!  It's like an adult mac and cheese!
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Pizza and Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces orecchiette fresh or dried
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided, plus more for the baking dish
  • 5 cups cauliflower florets approximately 1/2 large head
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 8 ounces Taleggio cheese rind removed and cut into small bits
  • Cayenne pepper to taste
  • 4 pieces bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup panko
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with oil. Set aside.
  • Cook orecchiette per package directions. Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon oil and set aside.
  • Toss cauliflower florets with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Spread out onto a baking sheet. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until just beginning to soften and brown. Set aside.
  • Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add flour, reduce heat to low and cook 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly being careful not to brown the roux.
  • Add the wine and the garlic, whisking constantly.
  • Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly. Increase temperature to high, bring to a simmer then reduce heat to low and cook 3-4 minutes or until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and add the cheese, whisking until cheese has melted and been incorporated. Season to taste with salt, black pepper and cayenne.
  • Combine orecchiette, cauliflower, bacon and cheese sauce in a large bowl and mix well. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
  • In another small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko, remaining butter and parsley. Sprinkle over pasta.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake 25-30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake until crumb topping is turning golden and sauce is bubbling--approximately 10-15 minutes.
  • Let stand 5-10 minutes and serve.

Notes

MAKE AHEAD:
  • Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
  • Let stand at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before baking or increase baking time.

Nutrition

Serving: 4 | Calories: 719kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 1017mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g