Cauliflower Anchovy Raisin Spaghetti (Printable Version)

Roasted cauliflower, anchovies, and raisins tossed with whole wheat spaghetti for a flavorful Italian-inspired dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 11 oz whole wheat spaghetti

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cauliflower (about 1.3 lbs), cut into small florets
03 - 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small red chili, finely chopped
05 - 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped

→ Umami and Sweetness

06 - 6 anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
07 - 1/4 cup raisins
08 - 1 tbsp capers, rinsed and chopped
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

→ Seasoning

11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 18-20 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté garlic and chili for 1 minute until fragrant. Add anchovies and capers, stirring until anchovies melt into the oil.
04 - Stir in raisins and roasted cauliflower. Toss gently, then add drained spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water. Mix well to combine and heat through.
05 - Remove from heat. Add lemon zest and chopped parsley. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and toss again.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms humble ingredients into something unexpectedly bold and layered.
  • The roasted cauliflower gets these crispy golden edges that add so much texture.
  • You can have dinner on the table in 40 minutes without breaking a sweat.
  • It feels indulgent but stays light and wont leave you sluggish.
02 -
  • Dont skip reserving the pasta water, it helps the sauce cling to every strand instead of pooling at the bottom.
  • Let the anchovies fully melt into the oil before adding anything else, thats where the magic starts.
  • If your cauliflower isnt getting golden, crank up the heat a bit or give it more space on the pan.
03 -
  • Roast the cauliflower on the top rack of your oven for extra caramelization.
  • Use the best olive oil you have for finishing, it really shines through in this dish.
  • Taste as you go and adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy to your preference.
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