Ever wondered about a flavorful pasta dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is a mouthwatering Italian pasta recipe that combines the delightful taste of pasta with the earthy goodness of broccoli rabe. It’s a dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table.
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What is Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe?
Orecchiette is a small, ear-shaped pasta that perfectly captures the flavors of the sauce it’s paired with. Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a leafy green vegetable that adds a slightly bitter yet tasty element to this dish. Together, they create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, washed and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions for Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe:
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a big pot of water with a pinch of salt.
- Add the orecchiette pasta and cook it following the time on the package until it’s just slightly firm (al dente).
- Drain the pasta but save about a cup of the pasta water.
Prepare the Broccoli Rabe:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Put in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for about a minute until the garlic smells nice (careful not to burn it!).
- Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until it’s tender but still bright green.
Mix Everything Together:
- Put the cooked orecchiette pasta into the pan with the broccoli rabe.
- Mix them gently. If it looks dry, pour in a little of the saved pasta water to make a light sauce.
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste.
- If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra yumminess.
Serve and Enjoy:
- You can enjoy the pasta as it is or serve it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage:
- Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, consider adding a bit of water or broth to retain moisture and flavors.
Additional Tips:
- Try adding toasted pine nuts or crumbled Italian sausage for more flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli rabe; it should be tender but still a bit crisp.
- If you can’t find orecchiette pasta, other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work well too.
Yield, Prep time and Calories
- Yield: This recipe typically serves about 4-6 people as a main course, depending on portion sizes.
- Preparation Time: The preparation time for Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is approximately 25-30 minutes, excluding the time taken for boiling water and cooking the pasta.
- Approximate Calories: The calorie count for Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. On average, a serving of this dish contains around 300-400 calories per serving. The calorie count can change if additional ingredients like cheese, sausage, or nuts are added, so it’s essential to consider these additions for a more accurate estimate.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Yield | Serves about 4-6 people |
| Preparation Time | Approximately 25-30 minutes |
| Approximate Calories | Around 300-400 calories per serving |
How to Make Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe Sauce
Creating the sauce for Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is simple and brings out the flavors of the dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the sauce:
Ingredients for the Sauce:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)
Instructions for making Sauce:
- Heat Olive Oil:
- Take a pan or skillet and put it on the stove over medium heat.
- Pour in the extra-virgin olive oil and let it warm up for a minute.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
- Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic to the pan.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Be cautious not to burn the garlic; stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic turns fragrant and lightly golden.
- Incorporate Broccoli Rabe:
- After the garlic is aromatic, include the chopped broccoli rabe into the pan.
- Cook the broccoli rabe with the garlic and oil for about 4-5 minutes. It should become tender but retain its vibrant green color.
- Combine with Orecchiette Pasta:
- Once the broccoli rabe is cooked to your desired tenderness, add the cooked orecchiette pasta directly into the pan.
- Gently toss the pasta with the broccoli rabe mixture to coat the pasta evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste over the pasta and mix it in well. Adjust the seasoning as per your preference.
What to Serve with Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe:
Here are some great accompaniments that pair well with Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe:
- Crusty Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread complements the pasta dish perfectly. It adds a delightful crunch and the savory flavor of garlic that goes wonderfully with the earthy taste of the broccoli rabe.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing is an excellent side dish. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the pasta, offering a contrast in textures and flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant make a fantastic side to serve alongside Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe. The grilled flavors and vibrant colors enhance the overall meal.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Roast some cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and herbs until they’re slightly caramelized. They bring a burst of sweetness and a juicy element that complements the pasta dish.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: An Italian antipasto platter featuring cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables can be a delightful starter or a side dish, providing a variety of flavors to complement the main course.
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is a delightful pasta dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the hearty goodness of this Italian-inspired dish and get ready to make it a regular in your recipe rotation!
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FAQs
What is Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe?
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is an Italian pasta dish made with orecchiette pasta and broccoli rabe (also known as rapini). The pasta is cooked and combined with a sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, then tossed with sautéed broccoli rabe to create a flavorful and comforting meal.
Is Broccoli Rabe the same as Broccoli?
Despite the similar name, broccoli rabe (rapini) is different from broccoli. Broccoli rabe has small florets, leafy greens, and a slightly bitter taste compared to the larger, rounded florets of broccoli. It belongs to the turnip family and has a distinctive flavor that adds depth to the dish.
Where can I find Orecchiette pasta and Broccoli Rabe?
Orecchiette pasta is commonly available in most grocery stores, usually in the pasta or Italian food section. Broccoli rabe can be found in the produce section of many supermarkets, especially in stores that carry a variety of fresh vegetables.
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While orecchiette is traditional and works well with this dish, you can use other short pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle if you can’t find orecchiette.
How do I prevent the broccoli rabe from being too bitter?
To reduce the bitterness of broccoli rabe, blanch it in boiling water for a minute or two before sautéing. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a splash of lemon juice while cooking to balance the bitterness.
Can I make Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth to maintain moisture when reheating.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe?
You can enhance the dish by adding ingredients like toasted pine nuts, crumbled Italian sausage, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These additions bring extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Is Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe a vegetarian dish?
Yes, the basic recipe for Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is vegetarian. However, if you add ingredients like Italian sausage, please note that it would no longer be vegetarian.
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