Whole Wheat Pasta with Cabbage and Potatoes

We begin the culinary adventure by putting a large pot of water on the heat, making sure to choose the necessary amount to boil the pasta, depending on the number of people we want to serve. It is essential to ensure that there will be enough water to achieve the perfect texture of the pasta. In the meantime, we prepare the other ingredients: we peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes of about 1.5 cm, so they cook evenly. The cabbage, the ingredient that will add extra flavor, is washed well under cold running water and cut into strips of 2 cm.

Once the water has started to boil, we add salt, which will enhance the flavor of the pasta and vegetables. We carefully add the potatoes and cabbage to the pot of boiling water. They will boil together for five minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the textures to soften. After this interval, we add the pasta, continuing to boil according to the time indicated on the package, usually between 13 and 14 minutes, until they become al dente.

In the meantime, we turn our attention to speck, a savory ingredient that will add a special taste to our dish. We cut the speck into thin strips and sauté it in a pan over medium heat until it becomes crispy and releases its delicious aromas. Once it has taken on a golden color, we set it aside, being careful not to let it cool down.

In another large pan, we add a splash of olive oil, a whole clove of garlic, and a little dried chili pepper to bring some heat to the dish. When the garlic starts to brown, releasing its aroma, we remove it from the pan to prevent it from becoming bitter. Now, the pasta, cabbage, and potatoes are ready to drain, and at this moment, we toss them in the pan for one minute with the garlic-flavored oil.

To add extra creaminess, we cut the cheese into cubes and incorporate it into the mixture, stirring gently to ensure it melts evenly. With the heat off, we add two tablespoons of Parmesan, which will enhance the flavor of our dish. We mix everything until the cheese becomes creamy and the entire composition binds perfectly.

Finally, we serve the dish on plates, adding the crispy speck on top for a contrast of textures, and sprinkling additional Parmesan as desired. This dish is not only delicious but also comforting, perfect for a family meal or with friends. Enjoy every bite!