Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Spicy Sausage
Transform your weeknight pasta routine with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Spicy Sausage. Earthy and slightly bitter broccoli rabe is perfectly balanced by the rich, savory kick of spicy Italian sausage, while tender orecchiette catches every bit of the garlicky sauce infused with crushed red pepper flakes. A touch of Parmesan cheese ties it all together, adding a nutty, creamy finish to this easy, one-pan dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Italian-inspired pasta is perfect for busy evenings yet elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Keywords: orecchiette pasta, broccoli rabe recipe, spicy sausage pasta, quick weeknight dinner, Italian pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Orecchiette pasta
- 1 bunch Broccoli rabe
- 8 ounces Spicy Italian sausage
- 3 pieces Garlic cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1 cup Pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the broccoli rabe by trimming off the tough ends and cutting it into roughly 2-inch pieces.
Once the water boils, blanch the broccoli rabe for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot of boiling water, cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casings from the spicy Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the sausage into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic cloves, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and sauté for another 15 seconds.
Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained orecchiette pasta and toss everything together. Gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to help create a light sauce and ensure everything is well-coated.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss one final time to combine. Serve immediately, with additional Parmesan on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
632 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 56 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 1295 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.5 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 28.2 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 233 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 4.0 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 271 mg | 6% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
