Recipe

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe

Savory Delight: Orecchiette with Garlicky Broccoli Rabe

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this classic dish of Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe. This recipe combines tender pasta with the bitterness of broccoli rabe, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Pasta› Orecchiette con cime di rapa

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (omit Parmesan cheese), Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low calorie

Allergens

Wheat (if using regular pasta), Dairy (if using Parmesan cheese)

Not suitable for

Gluten-free (unless using gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

8 ounces (225g) orecchiette pasta 8 ounces (225g) orecchiette pasta
1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 3g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 5g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2.
In a separate pot, blanch the chopped broccoli rabe in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4.
Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until tender.
5.
Add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the broccoli rabe. Season with salt to taste.
6.
Serve the Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Broccoli Rabe — Make sure to trim the tough ends of the broccoli rabe before chopping. Blanching the broccoli rabe helps to remove any bitterness and retain its vibrant green color.

Tips & Tricks

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
If you prefer a milder taste, blanch the broccoli rabe for a longer time to reduce its bitterness.
Experiment with different types of pasta shapes if orecchiette is not available.
Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and a glass of Italian red wine.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of red chili flakes and a drizzle of olive oil for an appetizing presentation. Serve in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the pasta and broccoli rabe.