Orecchiette, those charming little "little ears" pasta, are perfectly designed to cradle the vibrant bitterness of broccoli rabe and the savory richness of Italian sausage. This simple yet satisfying dish is a celebration of rustic Italian flavors, a testament to the magic that happens when humble ingredients are treated with care and respect. The combination of textures—the toothsome pasta, the tender-crisp broccoli rabe, and the slightly spicy sausage—creates a culinary experience that's both comforting and exciting. Imagine the aroma of garlic and olive oil mingling with the earthy notes of the broccoli rabe, all enhanced by the subtle heat of the sausage.
This recipe offers a straightforward approach to creating this delicious meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Ready to bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to make this incredible Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage.
Tools Needed
- 12-inch carbon steel skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cup
- Pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
- Broccoli Rabe: 1 pound
- Hot Italian Sausage: 8 ounces
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Pecorino Romano cheese: 2 ounces
- Orecchiette pasta: 1 pound
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Pasta water: 1 cup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Sausage
- Trim the broccoli rabe, cutting off the rough ends and cutting it into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Slice the Italian sausage lengthwise to remove the meat from the casings.
Step 2. Cook Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Pasta
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
- Bring four quarts of water to a boil in a pot. Add salt and blanch the broccoli rabe for 2 minutes.
- Remove the blanched broccoli rabe with a slotted spoon and add it to the skillet with the sausage.
- Cook the orecchiette pasta in the same boiling water until al dente (about 9 minutes).
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Step 3. Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli rabe.
- Stir in pecorino romano cheese and 1/3 cup of reserved pasta water. Continue stirring to create a creamy emulsion.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- You can use mild Italian sausage instead of hot.
- The cooking time for the broccoli rabe is a matter of personal preference. Some prefer it cooked longer, resulting in a softer texture.
- Adjust the amount of pasta water to achieve your desired consistency – you want a slightly brothy sauce, but not too thin.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes! Spicy Italian sausage is traditional, but you can use sweet Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.
2. What if I don't have broccoli rabe?
Other leafy greens like kale, spinach, or rapini can be used as a substitute, though the slightly bitter taste of broccoli rabe is unique to this dish.
This simple Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and comforting textures of this classic Italian dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Buon appetito!