NODO's Garganelli Cavolfiore Gratinato

15 mins Prep Time

30 mins Cook Time

Written By

Robin Winship

Make NODO's Garganelli Cavolfiore Gratinato -- a baked pasta dish consisting of rich Fontina cheese, cauliflower, fresh peas, cream and a generous sprinkling of Grana Padano cheese. The perfect comfort meal for a rainy, cold spring day!

If you give this recipe a shot, make sure to post up your creation on Instagram and tag @tastetoronto and @nodorestaurant!

Ingredients

Garganelli Cavolfiore Gratinato

500g garganelli pasta (penne or any other small, short noodle pasta works)
80g Fontina cheese, grated
500 mL 35% heavy cream
40g Grana Padano cheese, grated
Extra virgin olive oil
1 medium white cauliflower
1 small shallot, small dice
150g sweet green peas
1 tbsp breadcrumbs

Directions

Garganelli Cavolfiore Gratinato

11 Steps

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2

Wash and divide cauliflower into florets (smaller pieces). Blanch for 3-5 minutes.
Step 3

Next, blanch peas (approx. 3 minutes if frozen/5 minutes if fresh) until they are tender but not too soft -- strain, set aside.
Step 4

Boil pasta in salted water until 'al dente' (slightly firm on the bite). Strain and transfer to a bowl coated with a little bit of olive oil (to avoid pasta from sticking).
Step 5

Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with a small amount of olive oil. Add shallots and cook until translucent (roughly 2 minutes).
Step 6

Add cream, cauliflower, peas and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low, continuing to cook until cream reduces (roughly 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 7

Add pasta to sauce pan and sprinkle 3/4 of the Grana Padano cheese, mix together.
Step 8

Transfer to a baking (casserole-style) dish (or leave in pan if oven-proof).
Step 9

Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Grana Padano cheese. Add Fontina cheese and breadcrumbs as well.
Step 10

Place the baking dish or pan in the oven for 10-15 minutes (until top layer of cheese and breadcrumbs melts together to form a nice golden crust).
Step 11

Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes and serve!