Pasta with Broccolini, Peas, and Pancetta

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is broccolini?

  Broccolini belongs to the brassicaceae family of vegetables, which also includes arugula, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, horseradish and yes, broccoli. A hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli, broccolini was created in Japan in the 1980s. Less bitter than broccoli rabe, broccolini can be charred, steamed and sautéed.

• Can I use other shapes of pasta for this dish?

  Ruote pazze is similar to rotelle, another wheel-shaped pasta that is slightly larger with wider space between the pasta’s “spokes.” There are other pasta shapes that also will work well with all the meaty bits, peas, and creamy sauce of this dish. You can try small shells or even spiral-shaped rotini.