Description
A classic Italian pasta dish combining hearty orecchiette with savory sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe, all tossed in a garlicky olive oil sauce. This simple yet flavorful dish is a comforting favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (preferably mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the broccoli rabe to the skillet, tossing it with the garlic and olive oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli rabe begins to wilt, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to help the cooking process.
- Return the sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the broccoli rabe. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli rabe. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, you can use spicy Italian sausage.
- If you can’t find broccoli rabe, you can substitute it with regular broccoli or spinach, though the taste will differ slightly.
- For extra richness, you can add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: orecchiette pasta, sausage pasta, broccoli rabe, Italian pasta, savory pasta, easy pasta dish