Orecchiette with Escarole, Capers, and Olives
Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon
Adding a bit of the cooking water at the end melts the cheeses into a creamy sauce that lightly coats the pasta.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp. oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 15 seconds, then add escarole in batches, tossing with tongs until it wilts and shrinks in the pan, about 6 minutes. Stir in olives and capers; set aside.
Step 3
3
Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup pasta-cooking water. Set frying pan of escarole over low heat, add pasta and 1/4 cup cooking water, and toss to combine. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp. oil, the butter, and cheeses. Stir to combine, adding more cooking water as necessary. Serve with more parmesan.
Ingredients
12 ounces dried orecchiette pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes
1 bunch (12 oz.) escarole, leaves separated and coarsely chopped
1/3 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
1 tablespoon brined capers
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Directions
Step 1
1
Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp. oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 15 seconds, then add escarole in batches, tossing with tongs until it wilts and shrinks in the pan, about 6 minutes. Stir in olives and capers; set aside.
Step 3
3
Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup pasta-cooking water. Set frying pan of escarole over low heat, add pasta and 1/4 cup cooking water, and toss to combine. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp. oil, the butter, and cheeses. Stir to combine, adding more cooking water as necessary. Serve with more parmesan.
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