PASTA WITH ANCHOVY BUTTER AND BROCCOLI RABE

Pasta with Anchovy Butter and Broccoli Rabe image

Provided by Alison Roman

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Previous Next

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

Steps:

Mash anchovies into butter in a medium bowl; season with salt (if needed; taste first) and pepper.
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.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.
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.