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Savory Orecchiette with Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

savory orecchiette with spicy sausage and broccoli rabe - featured image
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A quick and satisfying pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, bitter broccoli rabe, and ear-shaped orecchiette pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) orecchiette pasta
  • 1 pound (450 grams) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 bunch (about 10 ounces / 280 grams) broccoli rabe, trimmed and roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Trim the tough ends of the broccoli rabe and roughly chop the leaves and stems. Slice thick stems thinner for even cooking. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon salt). Add orecchiette and cook until just al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. About 3 minutes before pasta is done, add broccoli rabe to the boiling pasta water to blanch and soften.
  4. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the browned sausage. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  6. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and broccoli rabe using a colander.
  7. Add drained pasta and broccoli rabe to the skillet with sausage. Toss together over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the dish and toss to combine.
  9. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Pecorino Romano cheese, if desired.

Notes

If sausage renders too much fat, spoon some out before adding garlic to avoid greasy pasta. Do not overcook broccoli rabe; it should retain a slight bite. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. For less heat, use mild sausage and reduce red pepper flakes. Vegetarian and gluten-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: orecchiette, spicy sausage, broccoli rabe, pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Italian recipe, savory pasta

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/savory-orecchiette-with-spicy-sausage-and-broccoli-rabe-easy-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/