Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds broccoli rabe, ends trimmed
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 Fresno or jalapeno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons harissa
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 pound cavatelli
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup packed mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup packed parsley leaves, chopped

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 425.
  • In a bowl, toss the broccoli rabe with 2 tablespoons of the oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange the broccoli rabe on 2 baking sheets and roast for 15 minutes, until crisp-tender, then chop.
  • In a deep skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
  • Add the garlic, chile and harissa and cook over moderate heat, stirring for 2 minutes.
  • Add the broccoli rabe and smoked paprika and cook until tender, 2 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente; drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
  • Add the pasta, cooking water and 1/4 cup of Parmigiano to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the pasta is coated in a thick sauce, 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the herbs and serve with more cheese.