Authentic Puglian Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This traditional southern Italian dish features handmade orecchiette pasta tossed with bitter broccoli rabe and garlic, embodying the 'authentic' simplicity of Puglia's countryside cooking. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs orecchiette pasta, broccoli rabe, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz orecchiette pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, trim broccoli rabe and cut into 1-inch pieces. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let garlic brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz broccoli rabe to the skillet, tossing to coat in oil. Cook for 5 minutes until bright green and slightly wilted.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1 tsp salt. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats every strand.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Puglian Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Puglian Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orecchiette pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Puglian Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Puglian Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Puglian Orecchiette with Cime di Rapa?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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