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Cavatoni with Broccoli Rabe, Onion, and Chili

17/11/2023

Cavatoni with broccoli rabe, onion, and chili is a delicious Mediterranean-flavored dish that fully fits into the Italian culinary tradition. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of cavatoni (or another type of short pasta you prefer)
  • 300 g of broccoli rabe
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 red chili pepper (spicy to taste)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (to serve, optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean the broccoli rabe by removing the outer leaves and the hard stems. Wash the florets and cut them into small-sized florets.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the broccoli rabe and cook for about 5 minutes. Drain them while keeping a bit of the cooking water aside and allow them to cool.
  3. In the meantime, peel and finely slice the onion. Mince the garlic and chili pepper (remember to remove the seeds if you prefer a milder taste).
  4. In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and add the garlic, chili pepper, and onion. Sauté over medium-low heat until the onion is translucent and the garlic is golden, taking care not to burn them.
  5. Add the broccoli rabe to the pan and sauté them with the mixture for a few minutes, adding a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
  6. Cook the cavatoni in boiling salted water following the instructions on the package for an al dente result.
  7. Drain the cavatoni and pour them into the pan with the broccoli rabe sauce, adding a bit of the cooking water to cream the mixture.
  8. Toss the pasta in the pan with the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together well.
  9. Serve hot, finishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino cheese as desired.

Curiosity

Broccoli rabe, also known as “turnip tops”, is a vegetable highly appreciated in the cuisine of Southern Italy, particularly in Puglia, where it is the star ingredient of one of the best-known dishes: orecchiette with turnip tops. This version with cavatoni is a tasty variation that maintains the core of the traditional flavor.

Cavatoni with broccoli rabe, onion, and chili