Description
A classic Italian pasta dish featuring orecchiette tossed with savory sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe, finished with garlic and Parmesan for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli rabe and blanch for 1–2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Use the same water to cook the orecchiette according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in cooked orecchiette and a splash of reserved pasta water to help coat the pasta.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
- If broccoli rabe is too bitter, blanch it for a few more minutes or substitute with broccolini or spinach.
- Use chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Add a drizzle of lemon juice or olive oil before serving for brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: orecchiette pasta, sausage and broccoli rabe, Italian pasta, sausage pasta recipe, quick dinner