Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Anchovy Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory side featuring slightly bitter broccoli rabe sautéed in a rich garlic-anchovy butter sauce for deep umami and balanced bitterness. This italian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 20 minutes pairs trimmed and washed broccoli rabe, unsalted butter, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch 1 lb trimmed broccoli rabe for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 3 finely chopped anchovy fillets, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and anchovies dissolve.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained broccoli rabe to the skillet along with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until heated through and coated in the anchovy-garlic butter. Finish with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and toss once more before serving to brighten the dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Anchovy Butter take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Anchovy Butter?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Anchovy Butter?

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 Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Anchovy Butter 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 Sautéed Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Anchovy Butter?

Italian vegetarian 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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