Pasta-Shell Risotto with Broccoli Rabe

Pasta-Shell Risotto with Broccoli Rabe
Pasta-Shell Risotto with Broccoli Rabe
Slowly cooking the pasta risotto-style by ladling hot broth over it allows the shells to soak up all of the broth's aroma and results in a velvety, creamy texture. The bitter bite of the greens adds just enough edge.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 4 to 6 (main course) servings
Italian Garlic Onion Pasta Sauté Christmas Quick & Easy Lunch Parmesan Fall Winter Healthy Broccoli Rabe Gourmet Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 quart water
  • 1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped

Preparation Bring broth, water, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, then reduce heat and keep at a bare simmer. Trim tough stem ends from broccoli rabe, then cut remaining stems crosswise into 1-inch pieces and reserve. Coarsely chop florets and leaves. Heat oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then sauté onion with 1/2 teaspoon salt until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté 1 minute, then add pasta, broccoli rabe stems, and 3/4 cup hot broth and simmer briskly, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot broth, about 3/4 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, until pasta is almost al dente and creamy-looking, 12 to 13 minutes. Stir in remaining broccoli rabe and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until pasta is al dente and broccoli rabe is just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. (If needed, add more hot broth to moisten; there will be some broth left over.) Stir in cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with more cheese on the side. Per serving: 495 calories, 15 g fat (3 g saturated), 9 mg cholesterol, 788 mg sodium, 71 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 18 g protein Nutritional analysis provided by Nutrition Data See Nutrition Data's complete analysis of this recipe ›

Preparation Bring broth, water, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan, then reduce heat and keep at a bare simmer. Trim tough stem ends from broccoli rabe, then cut remaining stems crosswise into 1-inch pieces and reserve. Coarsely chop florets and leaves. Heat oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then sauté onion with 1/2 teaspoon salt until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté 1 minute, then add pasta, broccoli rabe stems, and 3/4 cup hot broth and simmer briskly, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Continue simmering and adding hot broth, about 3/4 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, until pasta is almost al dente and creamy-looking, 12 to 13 minutes. Stir in remaining broccoli rabe and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring, until pasta is al dente and broccoli rabe is just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. (If needed, add more hot broth to moisten; there will be some broth left over.) Stir in cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with more cheese on the side. Per serving: 495 calories, 15 g fat (3 g saturated), 9 mg cholesterol, 788 mg sodium, 71 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 18 g protein Nutritional analysis provided by Nutrition Data See Nutrition Data's complete analysis of this recipe ›