Put the chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the salt and then drop in the broccoli and cook until tender but not too soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and refresh in cold water to set the color. Drain and set aside. If using broccoli rabe, chop coarsely. Then drop the orecchiette into the same boiling salted water.
While the pasta cooks, heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion, if using, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, if using, and chickpeas and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, if using, and broccoli and cook until hot. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
Drain the pasta when it is al dente and add it to the broccoli sauce, along with the toasted bread crumbs, if using. Warm through. Transfer to a warmed bowl and sprinkle with pecorino, if desired.
Toasted Bread Crumbs: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a food processor, pulse 2 cups diced country-style bread, crusts removed, until you have coarse crumbs. Toss the crumbs in a bowl with 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted, or olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Spread the crumbs on a baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 20 minutes. The crumbs can be stored in the pantry in a covered container for up to a month.

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Per 100 g

Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories	1199.99 Kcal (5024 kJ)
Calories from fat	373.5 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	41.5g	64%
Cholesterol	3.4mg	1%
Sodium	5806.2mg	242%
Potassium	1204.82mg	26%
Total Carbs	174.87g	58%
Sugars	15.64g	63%
Dietary Fiber	11.05g	44%
Protein	40.69g	81%
Vitamin C	29.2mg	49%
Iron	8.5mg	47%
Calcium	274.3mg	27%

Amount Per 100 g
Calories	158.68 Kcal (664 kJ)
Calories from fat	49.39 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	5.49g	64%
Cholesterol	0.45mg	1%
Sodium	767.8mg	242%
Potassium	159.32mg	26%
Total Carbs	23.12g	58%
Sugars	2.07g	63%
Dietary Fiber	1.46g	44%
Protein	5.38g	81%
Vitamin C	3.9mg	49%
Iron	1.1mg	47%
Calcium	36.3mg	27%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

Tastes

salty
savory
bitter
sweet

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