Makes 6 servings
The toasted bread crumbs add a nice texture to this dish, but they aren’t essential if you’re looking to save some time. Use leftover sandwich bread to make fresh breadcrumbs in a food processor. Toast them in a little butter or olive oil over medium heat until golden and crisp.
Ingredients
- 2 oz pancetta, julienned
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 lb dried spaghetti
- 3/4 cup toasted fresh bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Directions
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Cook the pancetta in a large sauté pan over medium heat until the pancetta bits are crisp and the fat has rendered, about 2 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add the thyme and red pepper flakes and cook just long enough to heat them, about 1 minute.
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Add the broccoli rabe and sauté, stirring frequently, until it is bright green and hot, about 3 minutes. Add the broth and simmer over low heat until the broccoli rabe is tender and the broth has nearly cooked away, about 5 minutes. Taste and season with lemon juice and red pepper. Keep the broccoli rabe warm while you cook the pasta.
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Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti and boil until tender to the bite, 7 to 9 minutes. Drain through a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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Add the spaghetti to the broccoli rabe and toss to combine the ingredients over low heat. Add enough of the reserved pasta water to evenly and lightly coat the spaghetti if needed (the pasta should look creamy, not oily or dry).
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Serve the pasta in a heated bowl or individual plates. Top with the toasted bread crumbs, Parmesan, and parsley.
