Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that’s simple to make but full of personality, then Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is your new best friend. This dish features tender, bite-sized orecchiette pasta paired with savory Italian sausage, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and a touch of garlic and chili flakes for that irresistible depth of flavor. Every bite is a perfect balance of spice, earthiness, and richness. Trust me, this one is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

This dish is more than just a meal – it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s bound to become your new favorite:

Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, this dish works for any occasion. It’s comforting but still feels a bit special.

Budget-Friendly: With just a few ingredients, including sausage, pasta, and broccoli rabe, this dish is affordable yet packed with flavor.

Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect when you want something that’s both hearty and quick to prepare.

Customizable: If you’re not a fan of broccoli rabe, you can swap it for spinach or kale. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili flakes.

Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of savory sausage, garlicky goodness, and hearty pasta makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with a simple side salad and crusty bread.

Ingredients in Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Let’s break it down and take a look at what makes this dish so tasty:

Orecchiette Pasta: These small, ear-shaped pasta pieces are perfect for holding onto all the delicious sausage and broccoli rabe bits, making every bite satisfying.

Italian Sausage: The star of the show! It’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor. I recommend using a mild or spicy variety, depending on your preference.

Broccoli Rabe: This slightly bitter, leafy green is the perfect complement to the richness of the sausage. It adds a great texture and a punch of flavor that makes this dish unique.

Garlic and Chili Flakes: A couple of cloves of garlic sautéed in olive oil with a pinch of chili flakes bring a little heat and a ton of flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this delicious dish:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes for al dente. Once done, reserve about a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

Cook the Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing (if necessary) and crumble it into the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic and Chili Flakes: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chili flakes to taste, and cook for another 30 seconds.

Prepare the Broccoli Rabe: Add the broccoli rabe to the skillet and cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes. If needed, you can add a splash of water or some of the reserved pasta water to help it cook down. Season with salt and pepper.

Combine Pasta and Sausage: Add the cooked orecchiette and sausage back into the skillet with the broccoli rabe. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if necessary to create a silky sauce.

Finish the Dish: Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 600

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

This dish is amazing on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:

• Garlic Bread: A crusty, buttered garlic bread makes the perfect companion to mop up any leftover bits of sausage and sauce.
• Simple Salad: A light salad with arugula or mixed greens, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or potatoes would be a great addition to this meal, adding a touch of sweetness to complement the bitterness of the broccoli rabe.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to elevate your dish:

• Add more greens: If you love greens, feel free to add more broccoli rabe or mix in spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add more chili flakes for extra heat, or toss in some red bell peppers for a bit of sweetness and color.
• Cheese lovers: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan! The cheesy finish really brings everything together.
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can swap orecchiette with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or farfalle.
2. What if I can’t find broccoli rabe?
   If broccoli rabe is unavailable, you can substitute it with kale or spinach for a similar texture and flavor.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian version.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   You can add more chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce if you want more heat.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
   This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stove.
6. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
   Absolutely! Turkey sausage works great as a leaner option.
7. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
8. Can I use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced garlic?
   Fresh garlic is always a great choice and will give the dish a stronger, more fragrant flavor.
9. How do I prevent the sausage from becoming dry?
   Cook the sausage over medium heat and avoid overcooking it. It should remain juicy and flavorful.
10. Can I add other vegetables?
    Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to mix things up!

Conclusion

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is a dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with delicious, hearty ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead and make this dish – your taste buds will thank you!

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