PASTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE, CANNELLINI BEANS, AND BROCCOLI RABE

PASTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE, CANNELLINI BEANS, AND BROCCOLI RABE image

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
salt
4 cloves garlic, minced
pinch red chili flakes
6 cups broccoli rabe leaves and florets, chopped
3 cups diced ripe tomatoes
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
12 ounces farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
15 ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup grated romano cheese
optional garnish: minced fresh oregano sprigs

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium. Add onion and a pinch of salt; saute for 6 minutes or until golden. Stir in garlic, chili flakes, and broccoli rabe. Cook for 8 minutes or until greens have softened. Stir in tomatoes and minced oregano, along with another pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently. Once water comes to a boil, add farfalle and cook for about 7 minutes or until al dente. Halfway through simmering sauce and cooking pasta - about 5 minutes - add beans to sauce, crushing them slightly with a potato masher or a fork to thicken sauce. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes while pasta cooks. Drain pasta and immediately return to cooking pot. Add half the sauce and stir to mix. Divide pasta among 6 plates and top with remaining sauce. Top with cheese and oregano sprigs, if desired.