Spicy Broccoli Rabe with White Beans and Shrimp Recipe
A flavorful and spicy sautéed dish featuring tender broccoli rabe, plump white beans, and succulent shrimp, all cooked in a garlic-infused olive oil with a kick of red pepper flakes. This hearty yet healthy meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served with crusty bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Proteins
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, roughly chopped (6-8 cups)
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, tail on, peeled and deveined
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Pantry Items
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chicken stock
To Serve
- Finely grated Parmesan, for serving
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli rabe: Rinse the broccoli rabe thoroughly and roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces, measuring around 6-8 cups. Set aside.
- Sauté garlic and shrimp: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and sauté until the shrimp are pink and opaque, roughly 3-4 minutes per side depending on size. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli rabe: In the same skillet, add the chopped broccoli rabe and cook until it begins to wilt, about 4-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and to coat the greens well with the leftover garlic and oil flavors.
- Add white beans and chicken stock: Add the drained and rinsed white beans into the skillet along with 1 cup of chicken stock. Stir everything together and let it simmer until the broccoli rabe is tender and the liquid reduces slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Recombine and finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Serve: Spoon the spicy broccoli rabe, white beans, and shrimp onto plates. Top with a generous sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese and serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit shrimp and replace chicken stock with vegetable stock.
- Remove the tails from shrimp if preferred for easier eating.
- Broccoli rabe has a natural bitterness; if desired, blanch it briefly in boiling water before sautéing to reduce bitterness.
- Add extra red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
- Crusty bread is essential to enjoy with this dish for soaking up the delicious sauce.
