Orecchiette Rabe Broccoli Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and satisfying Orecchiette Rabe Broccoli Pasta, a classic Italian dish that combines earthy flavors and bold aromatics. Tender orecchiette pasta is paired with slightly bitter, nutrient-packed broccoli rabe, which is blanched to perfection for a balance of texture and flavor. A fragrant base of golden sautéed garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, while a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties everything together. Tossed with reserved pasta water for a silky finish, this recipe is ready in just 35 minutes and makes a hearty yet light meal for four. Top with grated Parmesan for a touch of creaminess, or enjoy it as is for a vegan-friendly option. Quick, flavorful, and bursting with authentic Mediterranean charm, this pasta dish is perfect for easy weeknight cooking or entertaining guests.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 0.5 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Trim the tough ends from the broccoli rabe and chop it into 2-inch pieces.
Blanch the broccoli rabe in the boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
In the same boiling water, cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and just golden, about 1 minute.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
487 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.7 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 795 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 66.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 19.5 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 318 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 307 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
