Broccoli Rabe, Garlic Seared-With Or Without Pasta – Lauren Groveman

Ingredients

• 2 large bunches broccoli rabe (about 2 1/2 pounds before trimming)
• 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth (3 cups if using pasta)
• 1/2 cup best-quality, extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic kept whole, plus 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water, if using
• 1 pound dried rigatoni pasta, optional
• Kosher salt or sea salt to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Melted butter and additional stock, if using pasta