Fusilloni Pasta with with Tomatoes, Cauliflower, Arugula, and Salami

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I like pasta made of all different shapes and sizes. But recently, I’ve really been digging whole-grain pasta. We’ve all had whole-wheat spaghetti in the past that was terrible, right? Well, I'm happy to report that the pasta world has come a long way as far as innovating ways to make one whole-grain noodles healthier and tastier. 

I made this delicious dish with khorasan kamut, which is delicious with a slightly nutty taste, but still has the same buttery bite you expect from any other fusilloni. Kamut is actually really interesting because it’s nicknamed “King Tut’s Wheat,” since it was found in his tomb according to an ancient legend. Or maybe it’s just interesting to me because I also happen to have a degree in history! But no matter, people have been eating it for ages and it’s cool that it’s getting a revival in this day and age.

Nutritionally, kamut has more protein than modern wheat, and according to one study, if you replace kamut with modern wheat, it may reduce your risk for heart disease by lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and other inflammatory markers. Whether or not you’re willing to replace your grains with kamut because of one study, it’s still interesting to try out! Diversifying the types of foods you eat is always a good thing, and pasta is no exception. 

Fusilloni Pasta with with Tomatoes, Cauliflower, Arugula, and Salami

Time: 30 Minutes
Serves 6

Ingredients
1/2 head large cauliflower, cut into 3/4-inch florets
3 medium roma tomatoes, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 oz hard salami, finely chopped
3 tbsp fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
16 oz fusilloni pasta
5 cups baby arugula, about 5 oz
1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided

Directions
Preheat oven to 425F. 

In a large mixing bowl, add cauliflower, tomatoes, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. 

Transfer cauliflower mixture to a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10 minutes. Add salami to cauliflower mixture with sage and garlic. Stir and continue roasting for 10-15 minutes, until cauliflower is golden brown. 

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilloni and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water, and return pasta to pot. 

Transfer cauliflower mixture to the pasta with arugula and 3/4 cup parmesan cheese. Stir in enough of the reserved pasta water to moisten and season with salt and pepper.

Divide pasta between bowls and serve immediately, garnished with remaining parmesan cheese.