Orecchiette con Cime Di Rapa
The ultimate comfort food, Orecchiette con Cime Di Rapa is a vibrant dish packed with flavor and nutrition. Featuring tender pasta and bitter greens, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that brings the taste of Italy to your table. Perfect for sharing with family or friends, make this delightful dish tonight!
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Skillet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 red chili pepper finely sliced or 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
- 10.58 oz orecchiette pasta
- 14 oz broccoli rabe (cime di rapa)
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red chili pepper. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns golden brown, about four to five minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. You want a fragrant aroma filling your kitchen at this point!
- While the garlic is cooking, prepare the broccoli rabe. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. This step ensures your greens are clean and ready to absorb all the delicious flavors from the skillet.
- Next, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. For al dente pasta, drain it two to three minutes before the suggested cooking time. This way, the pasta remains firm and holds up well in the final dish.
- During the last five minutes of cooking the pasta, carefully add the prepared broccoli rabe to the pot. This allows the greens to cook just enough, retaining their vibrant color and nutrients. As the pasta and greens cook together, the flavors meld beautifully.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli rabe together. Add them directly to the skillet with the garlic and red chili pepper mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta and greens are well-coated with the garlicky oil. This step is crucial; it’s where the magic happens!
- Finish off the dish with a drizzle of extra olive oil, and season with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible. It’s time to serve up your Orecchiette con Cime Di Rapa and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to a month. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- Pairing: Serve with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.
- Additional Ingredients: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or chickpeas to the dish.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Toasted breadcrumbs sprinkled on top add delightful crunch and texture.