Description
Rich Sicilian broccoli rabe pesto pasta blends bitter greens with creamy pasta for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Garlic, pecorino, and pine nuts elevate this simple yet sophisticated recipe you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bunch (8 oz or 226 g) broccoli rabe, trimmed (about 6 oz or 170 g)
- 8 oz (226 g) (2 balls) fresh burrata cheese, torn into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup (½ oz or 14 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (½ oz or 14 g) finely grated Pecorino cheese, plus more for serving
- ⅓ cup (1.5 oz or 43 g) shelled pistachios, lightly toasted
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 (1 lb or 454 g) bag DeLallo Casarecce pasta
- ½ cup (118 ml) DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp toasted pistachio oil
- 1 tsp flake sea salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp red vinegar (optional, can be omitted for a less tangy flavor)
- Micro greens (such as micro broccoli), optional, for serving
Instructions
- Blanch Preparation: Boil salted water and quickly submerge broccoli rabe until bright green. Immediately transfer to ice bath to stop cooking, then drain and gently squeeze excess water.
- Pesto Creation: Combine broccoli rabe, pistachios, garlic, cheeses, salt, vinegar, pepper flakes, and pistachio oil in food processor. Pulse until achieving a coarse, rustic texture.
- Emulsification: Gradually stream olive oil while continuing to pulse, scraping processor sides. Blend until mixture develops a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper flakes to taste.
- Pasta Finishing: Cook pasta in heavily salted water until al dente. Reserve one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining. Return pasta to pot and incorporate freshly crafted pesto, using reserved liquid to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Elegant Presentation: Transfer pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with luxurious burrata, delicate microgreens, and a generous sprinkle of grated cheese to elevate flavor profile and visual appeal.
Notes
- Blanch Strategically: Quickly cook broccoli rabe to preserve its vibrant green color and prevent bitterness, ensuring a crisp texture and bright flavor profile.
- Processor Precision: Pulse ingredients gradually to maintain a coarse texture, allowing each component to remain distinct while creating a harmonious blend.
- Liquid Magic: Reserve pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid helps emulsify the pesto and creates a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
- Finishing Finesse: Top with burrata and microgreens just before serving to add luxurious creaminess and fresh, herbaceous notes that elevate the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 36 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg