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Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe

Hearty Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe for Cozy Evenings

A warm embrace on your plate, this Hearty Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is a comforting pasta that packs vibrant flavors and is perfect for chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Dry Orecchiette Pasta Cooked until al dente
  • to taste Sea Salt For seasoning pasta water
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil For richness
  • 4 cloves Garlic, sliced Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth
  • 0.25 cup Dry White Wine Enhances flavor complexity
  • 2 Caramelized Onions Adds sweetness
  • 8 Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped Offers tangy depth of flavor
  • 0.25-0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust spice level to taste
  • 0.33 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Optional, omit for vegan
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh is best for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Adds brightness
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper For balancing flavors
For the Greens
  • 1 bunch Broccoli Rabe Main veggie, can substitute with kale
For Topping
  • 0.33 cup Pine Nuts Add crunch, can substitute with walnuts

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Caramelize onions by heating oil in a skillet, adding sliced onions, and cooking on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour until golden.
  2. Sauté plant-based sausages in the same skillet until browned, then set aside.
  3. Blanch broccoli rabe in salted boiling water for 2 minutes, drain, and chop.
  4. Cook orecchiette in salted boiling water for about 10-12 minutes until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  5. Sauté garlic and chopped broccoli rabe in sausage drippings, adding white wine for flavor depth.
  6. Mix drained orecchiette with reserved pasta water, caramelized onions, cheese, lemon juice, and seasoning. Toss for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add sausages and sun-dried tomatoes, mix and top with toasted pine nuts. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with added moisture.

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