Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook orecchiette in heavily salted boiling water. In the same water, add the broccoli rabe in the last 5 minutes of the pasta's cooking time — they finish together. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining both together.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden, 3 minutes. Add anchovies and stir until they dissolve into the oil, 1 minute. Add red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add the drained pasta and broccoli rabe to the skillet. Toss over medium heat, adding pasta water a splash at a time until a light, glossy sauce coats everything. The broccoli rabe will be tender and slightly bitter, which is the characteristic flavor of this dish.

4. 4

   Remove from heat, add Pecorino Romano, toss again, and serve immediately. No additional salt is usually needed given the anchovies and Pecorino.