Vetted Recipes

Best Recipe for Pasta with Anchovy Butter and Broccoli Rabe

Ingredients

  • 1 3.5–ounces jar oil-packed anchovies, drained, chopped
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 12 ounces campanelle or penne
  • 3 ounces Pecorino or Parmesan, finely grated, plus shaved for serving

Instructions

  1. Mash anchovies into butter in a medium bowl; season with salt (if needed; taste first) and pepper.
  2. Tear broccoli rabe leaves into 2" pieces; set aside. Thinly slice stems 1/4" thick. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic and broccoli rabe stems and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until stems are tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.
  4. Add pasta, reserved broccoli rabe leaves, 1/4 cup pasta liquid, and 3 tablespoons anchovy butter to skillet (save remaining butter for another use). Cook, tossing occasionally and adding more pasta liquid as needed, until leaves are wilted and sauce coats pasta, about 4 minutes. Toss in grated Pecorino; season with salt and pepper. Serve pasta topped with shaved Pecorino.

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