Orecchiette con Cima di Rape

Ingredients

• 1 Pound Dried Orecchiette
• 1 Pound Broccoli Rabe
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• Pinch Of Red Pepper Flakes
• Salt & Pepper To Taste
• 1/3 Cup Good Quality Olive Oil
• 5 Slices (1/3 Cup) Chopped Pancetta

Instructions

1. 1

   Trim the broccoli rabe by cutting off any...: Trim the broccoli rabe by cutting off any tough stems, and chop into 1 inch pieces and peel the skin off the tougher pieces and cut these into 1 inch pieces as well.

2. 2

   In a small saucepan, heat the oil, garlic,...: In a small saucepan, heat the oil, garlic, pancetta (if using) and pepper flakes.

3. 3

   Set Aside.

4. 4

   Heat a large pot of salted water to...: Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil, and add the pasta.

5. 5

   Cook as per package instructions until the last...: Cook as per package instructions until the last 4-5 minutes of cooking.

6. 6

   Add the broccoli rabe to the pasta pot...: Add the broccoli rabe to the pasta pot and cook until tender.

7. 7

   Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving a small cup...: Drain pasta and broccoli, reserving a small cup of pasta water.

8. 8

   Return the pasta mixture to the pot and...: Return the pasta mixture to the pot and mix well with the oil mixture, adding water as needed to keep it moist.

9. 9

   Serve piping hot.