Pasta con Cime di Rapa: A Flavorful Italian Delight

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Pasta con Cime di Rapa

Quick Meal Facts: Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Time to Stand: 5 minutes, Total Time: 35 minutes, Ease of Cooking: Easy, Servings: 4, Calories: Approximately 400 per serving, Cost of Ingredients: $10–$15 (varies by location), Cuisine: Italian, Course: Main Dish.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Pot, skillet, colander, and mixing spoon

Ingredients

  

• For the Pasta
• 12 oz 340 g pasta (orecchiette, penne, or any pasta of choice)
• 1 bunch about 12 oz cime di rapa (broccoli rabe), trimmed and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Optional Variations
• Protein: Add cooked sausage shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
• Nut-Free: Ensure any cheese used is nut-free as some may contain nuts.

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
• Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Typically, this will take about 8-10 minutes.
• Add Cime di Rapa: During the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the chopped cime di rapa to the pot. This will help soften the greens without overcooking them.
• Drain: Once the pasta and greens are cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and cime di rapa in a colander.
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
• Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
• Sauté Garlic: Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
• Combine: Add the drained pasta and cime di rapa to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
• Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well combined.
• Step 3: Serve
• Plating: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls.
• Garnish: Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy while hot!

Pasta con Cime di Rapa, or pasta with turnip tops, is a traditional Italian dish that showcases the beautiful flavors of the Mediterranean. This dish not only highlights the unique taste of broccoli rabe (cime di rapa) but also offers a delightful experience for your taste buds. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal with friends. From my own personal experience, I can say that this dish is both satisfying and versatile, making it a favorite in many kitchens. Let me show you how I make this delicious pasta dish.

Notes on What to Expect

When making Pasta con Cime di Rapa, you can expect a flavorful and satisfying dish that perfectly balances the bitterness of the turnip tops with the richness of the olive oil and garlic. The versatility of this dish means you can easily adapt it to your tastes and dietary needs, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. Enjoying this dish with a glass of white wine can elevate the experience even further.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: $10–$15 (varies by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish
• Equipment Needed: Pot, skillet, colander, and mixing spoon

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Cime di Rapa  here 

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (orecchiette, penne, or any pasta of choice)
• 1 bunch (about 12 oz) cime di rapa (broccoli rabe), trimmed and chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Optional Variations

• Protein: Add cooked sausage, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
• Nut-Free: Ensure any cheese used is nut-free, as some may contain nuts.

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Cime di Rapa  here 

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Typically, this will take about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add Cime di Rapa: During the last 3 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the chopped cime di rapa to the pot. This will help soften the greens without overcooking them.
4. Drain: Once the pasta and greens are cooked, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and cime di rapa in a colander.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
2. Sauté Garlic: Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
3. Combine: Add the drained pasta and cime di rapa to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
4. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well combined.

Step 3: Serve

1. Plating: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish: Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy while hot!

Tips and Substitutions

• Adjusting Spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
• Leftovers: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Adding Flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest can enhance the dish’s flavor.

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Pasta con Cime di Rapa  here 

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg (adjust based on added salt)

Troubleshooting Tips

• Pasta Sticking Together: If your pasta tends to stick together, make sure you use enough water while boiling and stir occasionally during cooking.
• Too Salty: If your dish ends up too salty, add a bit more pasta water to dilute the flavor.
• Overcooked Greens: If the cime di rapa is overcooked, it can become mushy. Ensure you only cook it for the last few minutes of the pasta cooking time.

Now that you know how to make Pasta con Cime di Rapa, it’s time to enjoy this delightful Italian classic. Happy cooking.