Spaghettini with Broccoli Rabe Pesto, Calamari and Ligurian Olives

(2)
Servings:
4

This delicious pasta recipe is courtesy of Convivio chef Michael White.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound broccoli rabe, trimmed

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • ½ cup toasted pine nuts

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • ¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

  • ½ pound calamari, cleaned and thinly sliced crosswise

  • ½ cup Ligurian olives, pitted

  • ¼ cup dry white wine

  • 1 pound spaghettini

Directions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Prepare an ice-water bath. Add broccoli rabe to boiling water and cook until tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to ice-water bath until cool. Drain and transfer to the bowl of a food processor along with, 2 cloves garlic and pine nuts. Season with salt and pepper and process pesto until smooth.

  2. With the machine running, slowly add 3/4 cup olive oil. Transfer pesto to a medium bowl and stir in Parmesan.

  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook, until al dente, according to package directions.

  4. Meanwhile, heat remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slice remaining 2 garlic cloves and add to skillet along with pepper flakes; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add calamari and olives; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add wine and cook until almost evaporated.

  5. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid; add pasta and reserved liquid to skillet. Add 1 cup pesto (reserving remaining pesto for another use) and toss until pasta is coated. Divide evenly between 4 bowls; serve immediately.

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