Orecchiette With Sausage And Broccoli Rabe

Ingredients:

Salt

8 ounces sweet Italian sausage, casing removed

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 pinch red chile flakes

1 bunch (12 to 14 ounces) broccoli rabe, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

12 ounces (3 1/2 cups) dry orecchiette pasta

1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.

Meanwhile, break the sausage up into small pieces. Add the oil to a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the sausage to the pan and cook, undisturbed, until the browned on one side, about 4 minutes.

Reduce heat to low. Add garlic and chile flakes and cook, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Cover and remove from the heat.

Add the broccoli rabe to the boiling water and cook, stirring frequently, until the leaves have wilted and stalks are crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.

Use a small sieve or tongs to scoop the broccoli rabe out of the water. (Some bits of rabe will remain in the water, that’s fine.) Drain the broccoli rabe in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool enough to handle.

Squeeze the broccoli rabe dry and add it to the pan with the sausage mixture. Cover the pan and set it over low heat.

Return the water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup of the cooking water.

Add the drained pasta to the sausage mixture. Gradually stir in enough reserved pasta water to lightly coat the pasta. Stir in the cheese, season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Tips

If the stalks of the broccoli rabe are thicker than a pencil they tend to be tough. Either finely chop them or trim and discard the thickest stalks, if desired.

Make sure to squeeze the broccoli rabe well after blanching so it’s not soggy in the finished dish.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orecchiette with other pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can omit the sausage or replace it with vegetarian sausage alternatives for a meat-free version.

Can I use frozen broccoli rabe?

While fresh is recommended, you can use frozen broccoli rabe in a pinch.

Thaw and drain excess water before adding it to the recipe.

What’s a good alternative to Pecorino Romano cheese?

Parmesan or Asiago cheese are excellent substitutes for Pecorino Romano.

How spicy is the dish with red chili flakes?

The heat level is moderate.

Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your spice preference.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture ahead and combine it with pasta just before serving.

Is there a way to make it less oily?

Use leaner sausage or reduce the amount of olive oil for a lighter version.

What’s the purpose of reserving pasta water?

Pasta water helps create a creamy sauce. Add it gradually to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish.

Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth if needed.

Any tips for enhancing the flavor?

Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving.