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
Units
Scale
- 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