PASTA SALAD WITH RICOTTA SALATA AND BROCCOLINI

Pasta Salad with Ricotta Salata and Broccolini image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

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2 bundles broccolini
1/2 pound cavatappi (twists) pasta, cooked to al dente
1 shallot, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, a couple of glugs
1/3 to 1/2 pound wedge ricotta salata
6 sprigs fresh thyme, about 2 tablespoons of leaves stripped from stems
Coarse salt and pepper
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved

Steps:

Trim and discard the bottom 1/2-inch from the broccolini. Then cut the broccolini into 1-inch pieces. Steam broccolini covered in small skillet in 1/2 inch boiling water for 3 minutes, cold shock, and drain. Combine broccolini and pasta in a bowl.
Return pan to stove over low heat and saute shallots and garlic in oil 2 minutes. Pour warm oil over pasta and broccolini. Crumble ricotta salata over pasta. Sprinkle the pasta with thyme, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine. Adjust seasonings and garnish salad with halved grape tomatoes.