Description
A classic Italian dish featuring orecchiette pasta, savory sausage, and the slightly bitter taste of broccoli rabe. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (removed from casing)
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions, then drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Add the chicken broth and cook for another 2 minutes to soften the broccoli rabe further.
- Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture is too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with lemon juice if using for added brightness.
- Serve immediately, garnished with more Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Broccoli rabe can be slightly bitter, so adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or lemon juice can balance out the flavors.
- If you prefer a milder sausage, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- This dish can be made ahead by storing the components separately and combining them when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Orecchiette, Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Italian, Pasta, Sausage and Greens