Rapini Walnut Macaroni: A Delicious and Nutritious Pasta Dish

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of rapini, toasted walnuts, and macaroni with this delightful recipe. The bitter and slightly nutty rapini complements the crunchy texture of toasted walnuts in a savory sauce. This dish is both comforting and nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious pasta dish any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces macaroni
• 1 bunch rapini
• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Trim the tough ends of the rapini and roughly chop the leaves and stems.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the rapini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted and tender.
5. In a separate small skillet, toast the chopped walnuts over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Set aside.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the rapini and toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated evenly.
8. Serve the rapini walnut macaroni hot, garnished with the toasted walnuts and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

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