If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for that perfect weeknight dinner—something comforting, flavorful, and just a little fancy without being fussy. Well, friend, let me introduce you to a game-changer: Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe. This dish is what happens when cozy meets sophisticated. The kind of meal that feels like a warm hug, but still gives off “I know my way around the kitchen” vibes.
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You’ve got the perfect al dente pasta, juicy sausage that’s bursting with flavor, and that slightly bitter bite from the broccoli rabe that just gets the richness of everything else. And when it all comes together in one bowl with a generous drizzle of olive oil and maybe a sprinkle of Parm? Oh, trust me—you’ll be going back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re cooking for your partner, a group of friends, or just treating yourself (as you should), this dish is about to be your new favorite go-to.
Why You’ll Love Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible—each ingredient brings something special to the table.
Orecchiette Pasta: These little “ears” are pasta perfection. Their shape holds onto the sauce and bits of sausage so beautifully, giving you a perfect bite every time.
Italian Sausage: Juicy, savory, and full of seasoning. Whether you go mild or spicy is totally up to you—both work wonders here.
Broccoli Rabe: Slightly bitter and peppery, this leafy green balances the richness of the sausage. It adds color, nutrients, and a delicious bite.
Garlic: You already know—garlic is non-negotiable. It gives this dish that warm, aromatic backbone.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and drizzling. Use the good stuff if you can—it really makes a difference.
Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty. A sprinkle on top brings it all together.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but if you like a little kick, don’t skip them!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette until just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve some of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for the sauce!
Blanch the Broccoli Rabe: While the pasta’s cooking, blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling water for about a minute, then transfer it to an ice bath. This helps tame the bitterness and keeps that gorgeous green color.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and crispy on the edges.
Add Garlic and Broccoli Rabe: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute, just until fragrant. Then add the drained broccoli rabe and stir to combine with the sausage.
Bring It All Together: Add the cooked orecchiette to the pan along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a minute or two so the flavors marry.
Finish with Flavor: Drizzle in a bit more olive oil, toss in grated Parmesan, and if you’re into heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up warm, top with extra Parm if you like, and dig in!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520
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 pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of ricotta or a spoonful of mascarpone on top for extra creaminess.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Honestly, it’s hearty enough on its own—just add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil and you’re golden.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can blanch the broccoli rabe and brown the sausage in advance—store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
Spice It Up: Like it hot? Add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a spicy twist.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap pork sausage for chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Double the Batch: This one freezes well! Make a double batch and stash half away for an easy future dinner.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute broccoli rabe with another green?
A1: Absolutely! Try spinach, kale, or even broccolini if broccoli rabe isn’t your thing.
Q2: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A2: Yes! Penne, shells, or fusilli would all work nicely—they just won’t cradle the sausage bits quite like orecchiette does.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A5: Warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen things up.
Q6: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A6: You can prep the components (like blanching the greens and browning the sausage) a day ahead to save time.
Q7: Is this kid-friendly?
A7: Yep! You might want to skip the red pepper flakes and use a milder sausage, but kids usually love it.
Q8: What wine goes well with this dish?
A8: A crisp white like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti pairs beautifully.
Q9: Can I add more veggies?
A9: For sure. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even peas would be great additions.
Q10: Can I use plant-based sausage?
A10: Yes, a good plant-based Italian sausage works great and keeps it vegetarian!
And there you have it—your new weeknight hero. Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is simple, satisfying, and endlessly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you feel like a total kitchen rockstar, even on a Tuesday. Go on—give it a try. I have a feeling this one’s going straight into your regular dinner rotation.
Print
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe is a rustic, flavorful dish featuring tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and slightly bitter, sautéed broccoli rabe, all tossed together in a light garlic and white wine sauce with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water. - Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Broccoli Rabe
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and cook for 3–4 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). - Combine and Toss
Return the sausage to the skillet with the broccoli rabe. Pour in white wine (if using) and let it reduce for 1–2 minutes. Add the cooked orecchiette and toss everything together. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. - Finish the Dish
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and coat the pasta. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. - Serve
Plate the pasta and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the broccoli rabe when sautéing.
- Use a dry white wine for the best flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
- For a lighter option, you can use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
- Be sure to reserve some pasta water to help create a smooth sauce when tossing everything together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg