Pasta con Broccoli Rabe: A Flavorful Italian Classic

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 Pasta con Broccoli Rabe

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large pot
• Colander
• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Cooking knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 12 oz orecchiette pasta or your choice of pasta
• 1 bunch of broccoli rabe about 1 lb, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
• Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli Rabe
• Blanch the Greens: In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli rabe to the pot. This will blanch the greens, softening them without losing their vibrant color.
• Drain: Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli rabe in a colander.
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant but not browned (about 1-2 minutes).
• Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta and broccoli rabe to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
• Step 4: Season and Serve
• Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure everything is evenly coated.
• Plate and Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired.
• Variations and Tips
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding sautéed sausage or grilled chicken. Simply cook the protein in the skillet before adding the garlic.
• Vegan Option: Skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute for a vegan-friendly dish.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference; you can also add sautéed onions for extra flavor.
• Pasta Choices: While orecchiette is traditional, any pasta shape will work, such as penne or fusilli.

Keyword  Pasta con Broccoli Rabe, Pasta, Pasta con Broccoli

Pasta con Broccoli Rabe, or orecchiette with broccoli rabe, is a beloved dish in Italian cuisine, particularly in the southern regions. The combination of pasta and the slightly bitter, vibrant green broccoli rabe creates a delightful balance of flavors that’s both hearty and healthy. From my own personal experience, this dish has become a staple in my home, especially during the cooler months when fresh greens are so comforting. It’s simple to prepare, yet incredibly satisfying. So, let me show you how I make this delicious recipe step-by-step.

Notes on What to Expect

Pasta con Broccoli Rabe is a dish that celebrates simplicity and freshness. You can expect a beautiful combination of the earthy flavors of broccoli rabe with the nuttiness of the olive oil and the warmth of garlic. The slight bitterness of the greens contrasts perfectly with the comforting pasta, making every bite a delightful experience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400
• Cost of Ingredients: $10 – $15 (prices may vary)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Cooking knife
• Cutting board
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Broccoli Rabe  now.

Ingredients

• 12 oz orecchiette pasta (or your choice of pasta)
• 1 bunch of broccoli rabe (about 1 lb), trimmed and cut into pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Broccoli Rabe  now.

Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add Pasta: Once boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli Rabe

3. Blanch the Greens: In the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the broccoli rabe to the pot. This will blanch the greens, softening them without losing their vibrant color.
4. Drain: Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli rabe in a colander.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

5. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant but not browned (about 1-2 minutes).
7. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained pasta and broccoli rabe to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.

Step 4: Season and Serve

8. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure everything is evenly coated.
9. Plate and Garnish: Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired.

Variations and Tips

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding sautéed sausage or grilled chicken. Simply cook the protein in the skillet before adding the garlic.
• Vegan Option: Skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute for a vegan-friendly dish.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference; you can also add sautéed onions for extra flavor.
• Pasta Choices: While orecchiette is traditional, any pasta shape will work, such as penne or fusilli.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb: Swap pasta with spiralized vegetables like zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pasta con Broccoli Rabe  now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 4g

I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Broccoli Rabe seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below; I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking adventure!