Gemelli with Broccoli Rabe and Anchovies

A savory Italian pasta dish combining al dente gemelli with tender broccoli rabe, umami-rich anchovies, and crispy panko breadcrumbs. The dish is enhanced with garlic, red pepper flakes, and extra-virgin olive oil for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

6 servings
37 min

Ingredients

  • 1 pound gemelli or other corkscrew pasta
  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe
  • 1 cup panko
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 can anchovy fillets
  • ½ teaspoon dried hot red-pepper flakes
  • to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Cook pasta in a 7- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water 6 minutes, then stir in broccoli rabe and boil until pasta is al dente, about 5 minutes more.

    11 min

  3. 3.

    While pasta is cooking, toss panko with 1 tablespoon oil in a shallow baking pan until coated and bake, stirring once or twice, until golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Season crumbs with salt.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    While broccoli rabe (with pasta) is cooking, cook garlic, anchovies, and red-pepper flakes in remaining 7 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring and mashing anchovies into oil with a wooden spoon, until garlic is golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

    3 min

  5. 5.

    Drain pasta and broccoli rabe in a colander, then add to anchovy mixture in skillet, tossing to combine.

    2 min

  6. 6.

    Serve pasta sprinkled with some toasted panko and pass remainder.

    1 min

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