Broccoli Rabe Pancetta Pasta Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening at home, and I’m about to whip up a pasta dish that’s a total vibe—a gorgeous mix of orecchiette with crispy pancetta and lemony broccoli rabe, all tied together with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Let’s dive in and create this mouthwatering masterpiece together! 🍝✨

I have a passion for creating dishes that pack in vibrant flavors while also being hearty and satisfying. My Broccoli Rabe Pancetta Pasta hits that sweet spot in a balanced meal that is rich with excellent nutrients (think of the glorious greens in broccoli rabe).

Combine that with some lovely, savory pancetta, and just enough heat from red pepper flakes to keep things interesting, and this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Source of carbohydrates; provides energy and satisfying texture.
• Broccoli Rabe: High in vitamins A, C, and K; adds a bitter, nutritious kick.
• Pancetta: Offers savory depth; rich in protein and fat, enhancing flavor.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; contributes smoothness and richness.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic pungency; known for antioxidant properties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides umami richness; source of calcium and protein.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces pasta (such as orecchiette or spaghetti)
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 ounces pancetta, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon

How to Make this

1. Fill a large pot with water and add salt; bring to a boil. When the water is at a full rumble, add the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is nearly done, according to package instructions; it should be a little underdone since it will continue to cook in the oven. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, which will help hold the sauce together, and drain the rest. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil and set it aside.

2. In the same water at a rolling boil, blanch the broccoli rabe for about 2 minutes, until it is brilliant green and a little tender. Drain it and set it aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pancetta and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.

4. Put the olive oil in the skillet with the pancetta fat, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. In the skillet, add the broccoli rabe that has been blanched, season it with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes tender.

6. Put the cooked pancetta in the skillet with the broccoli rabe.

7. Place the pasta, once it is cooked, in the skillet and toss it with the pancetta and broccoli rabe to achieve a full combination. And that’s it!

8. Slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, as necessary, into the mixture, stirring to create a sauce that clings to the pasta.

9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, tossing well to combine.

10. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Slotted spoon
4. Tongs
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Chef’s knife
7. Cutting board
8. Colander or strainer
9. Zester or fine grater
10. Mixing spoon or spatula

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Absolutely, you can switch out orecchiette or spaghetti for any other pasta you like, such as penne or fusilli.
• What if I don’t have pancetta?Pancetta can be replaced with bacon, or even left out for a vegetarian version, in which case the flavor profile will change a bit.
• Is broccoli rabe the same as broccoli?Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, has a taste that’s more bitter than that of regular broccoli. It also has smaller florets.
• How do I reduce the bitterness of broccoli rabe?To help reduce the bitterness of the broccoli rabe, you might want to try blanching it in boiling water before sautéing.
• Can I make this dish less spicy?You can certainly decrease the amount of red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely to make the dish less hot.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?The individual components can be prepared ahead of time and combined right before serving. But it is best served fresh.

Broccoli Rabe Pancetta Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Should orecchiette or spaghetti not be available, fusilli or farfalle can be used instead.
Broccolini or regular broccoli can be used instead of broccoli rabe when a milder flavor is desired.
Substitute pancetta with bacon or prosciutto for a comparable flavor.
You can use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan cheese if you want to have a sharper-flavored dish.
Use a sprinkle of lemon juice for a hint of citrus if you don’t have fresh lemon zest on hand.

Pro Tips

1. Control the Bitterness: If you find broccoli rabe to be too bitter, you can blanch it in salted water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer it immediately to an ice bath. This will help to reduce its bitterness while retaining its vibrant green color.