Italian Recipe Book

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Subscribe

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Subscribe

×
Home » Recipes » Pasta

Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe

Sep 11, 2019 · Modified: Aug 24, 2020 by Svitlana · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

256 shares
  • Facebook
  • Yummly
Jump to Recipe

Orecchiette with broccoli rabe is one of the signature pasta dishes from Apulia, city of Bari in particular.

This is a classic “poor man’s dish” or cucina povera that dates back to ancient times.

A couple of simple local ingredients like homemade pasta (orecchiette), seasonal veggies (broccoli rabe), anchovy fillets, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and peperoncino is what it takes to make an epic, world famous pasta.

Traditionally, orecchiete are made with durum wheat semolina flour (known as semola in Italian) and shaped by hand. In stores you can also find dry orecchiette pasta but I choose last one only if I have no other options. Fresh pasta ALWAYS beats its dry versions.

By the way, you can totally make this pasta with another typical pasta from Apulia, cavatelli.

How To Make Cavatelli In 3 Simple Steps

Broccoli Rabe, also known as Rapini is a leafy vegetable that goes in season from late fall til early spring. Its light bitterness (when cooked) pairs perfectly with anchovies, garlic and peperoncino (hot pepper flakes).

Orecchiette Pasta With Broccoli Rabe

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe is the most basic and classic version and it can be further enriched with flavors.

With Breadcrumbs

You can always lightly toast some breadcrumbs in extra virgin olive oil and top your orecchiette pasta right before serving.

With Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Olives

You can also add a couple of chopped dried tomatoes and marinated olives to the sauce in the pan.

I personally love adding a spoon of sun-dried tomato pesto instead. It adds an incredible flavor and aroma!

With sausage

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage seem to be the most popular variation outside Italy. To make it, simple brown Italian sausage (casing removed) in a separate skillet pan. Then add to the sauce and give everything a good toss.

Orecchiette Pasta With Broccoli Rabe Close Look

Pro Tip

Instead of cleaning and chopping fresh broccoli rabe, you can simply use Sauteed Broccoli Rabe that you've prepared earlier. OR you can cook a double portion of it intentionally to make orecchiette pasta the next day.

Full Recipe

Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe

No ratings yet
Orecchiette with broccoli rabe is one of the signature pasta dishes from Apulia, city of Bari in particular.
Recipe authorAuthor: Svi
PREP TIME:5 minutes mins
COOK TIME:10 minutes mins
SERVINGS: 4
Prevent your screen from going dark
Print Recipe SaveSaved! Pin Rate Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb fresh orecchiette pasta OR 12 oz dry orecchiette
  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe (rapini)
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • 4 anchovy fillets
  • Pinch peperoncino (chili flakes ½ inch fresh hot pepper)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Put a large pot of water to boil.
  • In the meantime, wash broccoli rabe under cold running water.
  • Remove all yellow and dull leaves. Trim off the bottoms of the stems to remove tough and fibrous parts.
  • If some of the stems are still thick don’t cut them off further but split the end with a knife until the stems thins out a bit. This will ensure your greens are cooked evenly. Chop coarsely.
  • Once water is boiling add salt and broccoli rabe. Reduce the heat and cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Past that time add orecchiette pasta and cook until pasta is “al dente”. Verify cooking time on the directions on the package.
  • Dry pasta cooks longer!
  • While pasta and broccoli rabe are cooking prepare the sauce.
  • In a large skillet pan add a generous splash of extra virgin olive oil, pinch of peperoncino (or fresh hot pepper), garlic cloves crushed with a flat knife and anchovy fillets.
  • Cook on medium low heat stirring continuously. The sauce is ready once garlic becomes fragrant and anchovy fillets are dissolved. Remove garlic (optional). Turn off the heat.
  • Drain pasta with broccoli rabe.
  • Add it to a pan with the sauce. Turn on the heat and toss everything for a couple of minutes until all the flavors combine.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Have a question or want to let me know you loved the recipe?Leave a comment below! I love hearing from you!
Orecchiette Pasta With Broccoli Rabe Angle View

Buon Appetito!

More Italian Pasta Recipes

  • Soft pumpkin gnocchi on a fork.
    Pumpkin Gnocchi (Perfect Every Time!)
  • Creamy gnocchi carbonara in a plate.
    Gnocchi Alla Carbonara
  • Spaghetti with shrimp tomato sauce on a plate.
    Shrimp Spaghetti (The Creamiest You've Ever Had!)
  • Pasta al pesto with potatoes and green beans.
    Pasta Al Pesto (Super Easy & Creamy!)
256 shares
  • Facebook
  • Yummly

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Anita says

    August 20, 2022 at 12:22 am

    The drained pasta liquid is essential to the above recipe! Save 1 cup when draining to thin and develop the sauce. And double the anchovy and garlic, both chopped to saute. No question of removing garlic.

    Reply

Buongiorno e benvenuti! In my small Italian kitchen I use simple, mostly seasonal ingredients and turn them into mouth-watering meals. Join me as I share the magic of Italian home cooking and teach you how you can do it in your own kitchen.

More about me →

No Bake Desserts

  • Panna cotta on a dessert plate with a strawberry on the side.
    Panna Cotta (Classic Recipe and 3 Different Toppings)
  • Strawberry Tiramisu.
    Strawberry Tiramisu (Eggless and Without Coffee)
  • Individual Tiramisu Cups {Easy & Delicious!}
    Tiramisu Cups
  • Italian fruit salad in a bowl garnished with mint leaves.
    Italian Fruit Salad (Macedonia Di Frutta)

Popular Recipes

  • Three Limoncello bottles with two lemons in the background.
    Limoncello (Recipe, Calculations & FAQs)
  • Semolina bread loaves in bread basket.
    Semolina Bread (Easy & Delicious)
  • Panini bread rolls in a basket.
    Italian Panini Bread
  • Traditional Focaccia Bread {Focaccia Genovese}

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Keep in touch!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Italian Recipe Book

256 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required