Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe
(Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa)
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is a classic southern Italian pasta dish combining tender pasta “little ears” with slightly bitter greens, garlic, and chili flakes—simple, healthy, and packed with bold flavor.
🧺 Ingredients:
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250g (9 oz) orecchiette pasta
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1 bunch broccoli rabe (rapini), trimmed and chopped
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3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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3–4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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Salt to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper
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Optional: Freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Prepare the broccoli rabe: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and blanch for 2–3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set aside.
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Cook the pasta: In the same pot of boiling water, cook orecchiette until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
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Sauté the aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
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Add broccoli rabe: Stir in the blanched broccoli rabe and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender, seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Combine with pasta: Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and blend flavors.
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Serve: Plate and top with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, if desired. Serve hot.
💡 Cooking Tips:
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If broccoli rabe is too bitter, soak it in cold salted water for 30 minutes before blanching.
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Swap in regular broccoli or kale for a milder version.
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Add anchovies while sautéing the garlic for an extra umami punch.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – serves 4):
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Calories: 390
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Protein: 13g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 17g
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Fiber: 5g
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Sugar: 2g
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Sodium: 190mg
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