Ingredients
-1 pound orecchiette pasta
-1 bunch of broccoli rabe, washed and trimmed
-4 cloves of garlic, sliced
-1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper
-1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the broccoli rabe to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes or until it is tender but still slightly firm.
4. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the garlic and broccoli rabe. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the oil and garlic.
5. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the Parmesan cheese and toss until everything is well combined.
6. Serve the orecchiette with broccoli rabe hot garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips For Making Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe
– Don’t overcook the broccoli rabe. The key is to cook it until it is tender but still has a little crunch.
– Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. It will add a lot of flavor to the dish.
– If you prefer a more mild flavor, you can blanch the broccoli rabe first before cooking it with garlic.
– You can use other types of pasta like farfalle or fusilli instead of orecchiette. However, the ear-shaped pasta holds the sauce nicely, making it a perfect option for this recipe.
– You can also add some cooked Italian sausage or pancetta to the dish for additional flavor and protein.
Conclusion
Orecchiette with broccoli rabe is a perfect dish for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. By following this recipe, you can create a delicious vegetarian meal that is both healthy and flavorful. The combination of the tender pasta, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and flavorful garlic and olive oil will leave you wanting more. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Italy to your dinner table!