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Pasta ‘The Way of Time’

A delightful pasta dish that combines rigatoni with broccoli, raisins, anchovies, and saffron, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the pasta

  • 1 12-ounce package rigatoni pasta
  • 0.25 cup toasted bread crumbs for topping

For the flavor

  • 2 tablespoons raisins soaked in warm water
  • 4 fillets anchovy fillets provides umami flavor
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 head broccoli separated into florets
  • 4 threads saffron steeped in pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted for flavor
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to spice things up
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided, for cooking

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Soak the raisins in warm water for about ten minutes. Drain them and set aside.

Cooking

  • In a large pot of lightly salted boiling water, cook the rigatoni pasta until al dente, about twelve minutes.
  • In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the anchovy fillets, minced onion, and garlic. Sauté for a minute or two until fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until tender (about ten minutes). If necessary, add ladles of pasta water for moisture.
  • In a small bowl, combine a ladle of pasta water with saffron threads and let steep.
  • Stir the saffron-infused water into the skillet with the broccoli and mash some florets to create a creamier sauce.
  • Add the soaked raisins, pine nuts, and a pinch of cinnamon to the skillet, stirring everything together.
  • Drain the rigatoni and reserve some pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined.
  • Sprinkle in the toasted breadcrumbs and red pepper flakes, mixing thoroughly. If the mixture appears too dry, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water.
  • Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the pasta and top with additional toasted breadcrumbs and freshly ground black pepper.

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Notes

Serve warm in shallow bowls, optionally garnished with pine nuts or fresh herbs. Pairs well with a light salad or sautéed vegetables.
Keyword Healthy, Pasta, Rigatoni, Saffron, Vegetarian