The original recipe calls for broccolini, kale, or chard; I like the broccolini which picks up the spices nicely and has a sweeter flavor against the red pepper. I also cut the amount of red pepper flakes down from one full teaspoon - I didn't find it too spicy, but The Child did. A half teaspoon is still on the spicy side, but The Child will actually eat it. Finally, I swapped out the pecorino for some parmesan, mostly because I always have a big wedge of parmesan on hand. Both work fine, but the pecorino is a bit stronger, of course.