Broccoli Rabe with Pasta

I hope everyone had a good week.  It's been really hot here, sunny and in the 90's.  Great summer weather finally.   We really had no Spring and it's been cold.   Next week is the end of my daughter's school year and she does not have to be back in school until the middle of September.  We all want to relax and enjoy the summer.  Here is a recipe that I want to share with you and I hope you enjoy.

What is broccoli rabe?   If many of you don't know what broccoli rabe is, it's a green vegetable.  It's known especially in Naples, Portugal and Spain.  It has many spiked leaves that surround clusters of green buds that resemble small heads of broccoli.  Small yellow edible flowers may be blooming among the buds.  The flower is described as nutty, bitter and pungent.

Have you ever had Broccoli Rabe and Pasta in a restaurant and loved it?  Well I am going to give you the step by step easy way that I make it at home.  It is so good and it is a family favorite in my house and I never have left overs!

BROCCOLI RABE AND PASTA RECIPE

One bundle of Andy Boy broccoli rabe

1. Take one head of Andy Boy broccoli rabe and cut off the stems and discard.  I do not use the stems for my recipe.

2. You will need one 1 lb. bag of Whole Wheat Rigatoni (Or you can use whatever pasta you like).

Whole Wheat Rigatoni

Crushed Red Pepper flakes and 2 garlic heads peeled

3. You will need to put 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, 2 garlic heads peeled and cut up into small pieces and 6 teaspoons olive oil in a large pot and sauté until your garlic is lightly browned.

Olive Oil with garlic and hot pepper flakes

4. Cut your broccoli rabe in half and put in a large bowl.

Broccoli rabe cut up

5. Add the broccoli rabe to the pot of sautéd oil, garlic and hot pepper flakes and cook until wilted down.

6. While your broccoli is sautéing, put the pasta into a large pot of boiling water.  Cook using the packages directions.

7. The Whole Wheat pasta should cook for about 14 minutes, but keep checking until done, and stirring the pot of pasta so that the pasta does not stick together.

Rigatoni boil in water

This is what the broccoli rabe looks like sautéd, while the pasta is boiling.  It really cooks down a lot.

Broccoli Rabe, olive oil,  garlic, and hot pepper flakes

8. Drain your pasta.

Pasta drained

9. Put your drained pasta into the pot of broccoli rabe and mix all together.

Broccoli Rabe and Pasta 

10. This is what your broccoli rabe and pasta will look like!  You have to try this recipe.  It is so good and your family will think that they are eating in a fancy Italian Restaurant.

11. Don't forget to sprinkle whatever grated cheese you like on top of the pasta.  Enjoy!  Please try this recipe and let me know how it comes out and if your family liked it.


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Julie