If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, a little bit of bitterness, and a whole lot of heart, then Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is here to steal the show! This dish is an absolute classic from Southern Italy, and it’s a perfect balance of savory sausage, tender orecchiette pasta, and the slightly bitter yet wonderfully nutty taste of broccoli rabe. Plus, the garlic and red pepper flakes bring in the perfect punch of flavor. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser you’re going to want to make over and over again!

Why You’ll Love Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Let’s dive into why this dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites:

Bold, Flavorful Combo: The rich, savory sausage paired with the earthy, slightly bitter broccoli rabe is a match made in heaven. Every bite is packed with layers of flavor that’ll have you going back for more.

Simple Yet Satisfying: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, but it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Healthy-ish: The broccoli rabe adds a lovely dose of greens to the dish, giving you a bit of nutritional balance with all the comfort of pasta and sausage.

Customizable: If you prefer a different kind of sausage (sweet, spicy, or turkey sausage), go for it! You can even add a handful of cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness.

Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of pasta, sausage, and greens is perfect for satisfying both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this one’s a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients in Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish together:

Orecchiette Pasta: The cute, ear-shaped pasta holds all the sauce and ingredients beautifully, giving you the perfect bite every time.

Italian Sausage: Choose your favorite sausage whether you like it spicy or mild, the sausage provides that rich, savory flavor that makes the dish irresistible.

Broccoli Rabe: This slightly bitter, leafy green is the star of the show! It adds a wonderful earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the sausage.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is sautéed to create that aromatic base that makes the whole dish come alive.

Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the dish a mild heat that really brings out the flavors.

Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and sausage, this adds richness and helps everything cook to perfection.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, to bring everything together and enhance the natural flavors.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the end adds a salty, nutty finish that takes the dish to the next level.

Instructions

Here’s how you make this tasty, flavorful dish:

1. Prepare the Broccoli Rabe:
Start by washing the broccoli rabe thoroughly and trimming off the tough ends. Blanch it in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the vibrant green color and tender texture. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:
While you’re preparing the broccoli rabe, cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining it to help create the sauce later.

3. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.

4. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden.

5. Combine Pasta and Broccoli Rabe:
Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet with the sausage and garlic. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to mingle. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

6. Toss in the Pasta:
Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sausage and broccoli rabe. Add a little more pasta water if needed to make a light sauce.

7. Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once everything is well combined, serve the pasta warm and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that final touch.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired. You’re ready to dig in!

Nutrition Facts: Servings: 2-3 Calories per serving: 500-600

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

This dish is hearty enough to be a main course, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out your meal:
– A light mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the sausage and pasta.
– Crusty bread for dipping into the sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.
– Roasted vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, add a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to elevate your dish:
– For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sausage.
– If you can’t find broccoli rabe, you can substitute with regular broccoli, kale, or spinach for a similar effect.
– To make the dish even more luxurious, top with a little extra Parmesan or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet twist.
– For a lighter version, swap the sausage for grilled chicken or turkey sausage.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use any type of sausage you like spicy, sweet, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can cook the sausage and broccoli rabe ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day. Just cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to bring it back to its creamy texture.

4. Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture, but the pasta is best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, store the sausage and greens in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sausage as it cooks.

6. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you like will work fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are great alternatives.

7. How do I know when the sausage is cooked through?
The sausage should be browned and no longer pink. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C).

8. Can I use frozen broccoli rabe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before using it in the dish.

9. Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more color and texture.

10. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a slightly different flavor.

Conclusion

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the perfect balance of savory sausage, nutty broccoli rabe, and pasta that soaks up all those delicious juices. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and will definitely become a regular on your dinner menu. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal for yourself, this dish has everything you need to make your taste buds happy!

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