Shells with Broccoli Rabe & Pancetta
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 5 servings
- Calories
- 652
- Total Fat
- 29
- Saturated Fat
- 10
- Carbohydrates
- 76
- Dietary Fiber
- 7
- Sugar
- 4
- Protein
- 26
- Cholesterol
- 56
- Sodium
- 769
- Total: 25 min
- Active: 15 min
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds broccoli rabe (1 to 2 bunches)
1 pound large pasta shells, such as Barilla
Good olive oil
1/2 pound pancetta, 1/4-inch diced (see Cook's Note)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
8 to 10 ounces fresh ricotta, store-bought or homemade
Freshly grated Italian Parmesan cheese, for serving
Directions
- Bring a large (11 by 5 1/2-inch) pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Remove and discard the bottom third of the broccoli rabe and slice the rest crosswise in 2-inch pieces. When the water boils, cook the broccoli rabe for 2 to 3 minutes, until just tender. With a wire skimmer or tongs, lift the broccoli rabe (don’t drain the pot!) into a large bowl and set aside. Bring the water back to a boil, add the shells, and cook al dente according to the directions on the package. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid, drain the pasta, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large (12-inch) sauté pan, add the pancetta, and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta is browned. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Add the broccoli rabe and red pepper flakes and toss well. Add the cooked shells, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper and toss. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes, until all the ingredients are heated through, adding enough of the reserved cooking water so the pasta isn’t dry. Serve hot in large shallow bowls with a large dollop of ricotta and drizzled with olive oil, and with grated Parmesan on the side.
Cook’s Note
The only way to truly make 1/4-inch-diced pancetta is to buy one big chunk and cut it yourself. Delis often slice it much too thin.