Orecchiette with Radicchio and Onions

Savor the perfect balance of bitter and sweet with this Orecchiette with Radicchio and Onions recipe, a simple yet sophisticated pasta dish that highlights the best of hearty Italian flavors. Tender orecchiette pasta serves as the ideal canvas for the vibrant combination of sautéed radicchio ribbons, caramelized red onions, and a touch of garlic, all brought together with melted butter and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a subtle kick. Finished with a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers creamy, earthy, and slightly bitter notes, making it a delight for lovers of bold and balanced flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vegetarian pasta recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinners. Perfect your pasta night and impress with this easy, flavorful creation!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Orecchiette pasta
• 1 head Radicchio
• 1 large Red onion
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 3 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Red chili flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cup Pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the radicchio into thin ribbons and set aside. Halve the red onion, then thinly slice it. Mince or finely chop the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and a pinch of salt, and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and caramelized.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the sliced radicchio and cook for 4–5 minutes, until wilted and slightly softened. Add the butter and let it melt, mixing it into the vegetables.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the reserved pasta water along with the cooked and drained orecchiette. Toss everything together to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.

Step 7

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Add salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes (if using) to taste.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1053.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2161.9

Total Fat 84.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 112.9mg	0%
Sodium 2720.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 280.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.8g	0%
Total Sugars 14.3g
Protein 81.1g	0%

Vitamin D 2.2IU	0%
Calcium 1230.5mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 1593.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.5%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 50.8%