Dinner: Bucatini with Cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients

12 ounces bucatini or perciatelli
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 pound cauliflower florets, cut in 1-inch pieces
1/2 pound brussels sprouts, halved or quartered if large
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 plump oil-packed anchovies, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
1 teaspoon chopped thyme
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
Meanwhile, in a large, deep skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the oil. Add the cauliflower and brussels sprouts and season with salt and black pepper; cover and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of oil to the skillet along with the onion, garlic, anchovies, crushed red pepper, rosemary and thyme; cook, stirring, until the onion is slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Cover and cook over low heat until the cauliflower and sprouts are tender, about 3 minutes. Keep warm.
In a small skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bread crumbs and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and transfer to a bowl.
Add the pasta and reserved cooking water to the vegetables and cook over moderate heat, tossing, until the water is nearly absorbed. Remove from the heat and stir in the 1/2 cup of grated cheese. Serve the pasta in wide bowls, passing the bread crumbs and additional cheese at the table.