Orecchiette alle cime di rapa - Italian orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe recipe (eng subs)

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while pecorino offers a similar flavor.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are healthier, while sunflower seeds are more affordable.

Boil water in a large pot and add salt.

Add orecchiette to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

While pasta cooks, prepare broccoli rabe by trimming the ends and rinsing.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Add broccoli rabe to the skillet and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly before blending.

In a blender, combine sautéed broccoli rabe, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese.

Blend until smooth, adding olive oil gradually to reach desired consistency.

Season pesto with salt and black pepper to taste.

Drain orecchiette and reserve some pasta water.

Toss orecchiette with broccoli rabe pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens