Introduction: Can a Hearty Italian Pasta Dish Be Ready in Just 55 Minutes?
Craving a robust, flavorful pasta that’s perfect for a cozy dinner? Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage combines sweet Italian sausage, peppery broccoli rabe, and tender orecchiette in a garlicky, spicy sauce, finished with shaved Parmesan. Rated 4.6/5 from 30 reviews, this easy recipe yields 4 servings, ideal for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. Ready to cook a dish that’s both comforting and bold? Let’s dive into this classic Italian recipe!
Overview: Why Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Shines
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage is loved for its balanced flavors, straightforward preparation, and authentic Italian appeal. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 40 minutes cooking, totaling approximately 55 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires sautéing, blanching, and tossing, suitable for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: The sweet sausage, bitter broccoli rabe, and spicy red pepper flakes create a perfect flavor harmony, with orecchiette catching every bit of sauce. Rated 4.6/5 by 30 reviewers, it serves 4, great for family dinners or leftovers.
Perfect with a Caesar salad, garlic bread, or a festive side like roasted vegetable chili for a complete meal.
Essential Ingredients
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage uses bold, accessible ingredients for an authentic Italian result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing and flavor.
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth.
- Kosher salt, to taste, plus 1 ½ teaspoons: Seasons the dish and water.
- 2 pounds broccoli rabe, stems trimmed: Provides peppery, green flavor.
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta: Cup-shaped pasta to hold the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced: Infuses aromatic, savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste: Adds adjustable heat.
- Shaved Parmesan, for garnish: Brings nutty, salty finish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Sausage: Sweet Italian sausage provides rich, meaty flavor to balance the greens.
- Broccoli Rabe: Adds a bitter, peppery contrast, typical of Italian cuisine.
- Orecchiette: Perfectly catches the sauce and ingredients for a cohesive bite.
- Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Create a bold, aromatic base with a spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Replace with hot Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
- Broccoli Rabe: Substitute with broccolini, kale, or spinach (adjust blanching time).
- Orecchiette: Use farfalle, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Garlic: Swap with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Omit for milder flavor or increase to 1 teaspoon for extra heat.
- Parmesan: Use Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm sausage is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Pasta: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a sliced chili.
- Creamy Pasta: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone before tossing.
- Veggie-Packed Pasta: Add ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes with the broccoli rabe.
- Lemon Zest Pasta: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness.
- Vegetarian Pasta: Replace sausage with 1 cup white beans or plant-based sausage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage is a straightforward process that yields a bold, flavorful dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pound sausage, kosher salt, 2 pounds broccoli rabe, 1 pound orecchiette, 4 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, shaved Parmesan.
- Trim broccoli rabe stems; slice garlic; shave Parmesan.
Tip: Trim tough broccoli rabe stems carefully; prep ingredients in advance for quick cooking.
Step 2: Cook Sausage
- Heat 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound sweet Italian sausage; cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Remove sausage to a plate; reserve pan and drippings.
Tip: Break sausage into smaller pieces if preferred; keep drippings for flavor.
Step 3: Blanch Broccoli Rabe
- Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat; add a large pinch of kosher salt.
- Add 2 pounds broccoli rabe; cook until bright green and tender but slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer broccoli rabe with tongs to a colander; rinse under cold running water.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Reserve boiling water.
Tip: Blanch briefly to reduce bitterness; cold rinse preserves color and texture.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
- Add 1 pound orecchiette to the reserved boiling water; cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 12 minutes (or 1 minute less than package instructions).
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta cooking water; drain pasta in a colander.
Tip: Check pasta at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking; reserve extra water if needed.
Step 5: Cook Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
- Heat reserved skillet with drippings over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves sliced garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped broccoli rabe, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; increase heat to medium-high.
- Cook, stirring, until broccoli rabe is hot and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Slice sausage into ¼-inch thick coins; add to pan and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning; slice sausage evenly for consistent texture.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Add drained orecchiette and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the skillet; toss to combine.
- Cook until sauce clings to pasta, about 1 minute.
- Transfer to a serving dish or 4 individual bowls (about 1 ½ cups per serving).
- Garnish with shaved Parmesan and serve hot.
Tip: Add extra pasta water if sauce is too thick; toss vigorously for even coating.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
Making Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage is all about creating a balanced, flavorful dish. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Orecchiette: Cup-shaped pasta that holds the sauce and ingredients.
- Sausage: Sweet, savory coins for hearty flavor.
- Broccoli Rabe: Peppery greens for contrast and texture.
- Garnish: Shaved Parmesan for a nutty, elegant finish.
- Presentation: Rustic and vibrant, served in bowls or on a platter.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Pair with Italian-inspired sides like a Caesar salad or a side of orecchiette with pancetta and pumpkin for a festive spread.
- Drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage is great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; pasta and broccoli rabe may soften slightly.
- Make-Ahead:
- Blanch broccoli rabe and cook sausage up to 1 day ahead; store separately.
- Cook pasta and assemble sauce just before serving for best texture.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, 5-7 minutes, stirring gently. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, covered, until hot.
- Tip: Store Parmesan separately; add fresh garnish after reheating for vibrancy.
Recipe Variations
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Pasta: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a sliced chili.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free orecchiette and confirm sausage is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Pasta: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or 1 cup white beans.
- Creamy Pasta: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone before tossing.
- Veggie-Packed Pasta: Add ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 kcal (varies with portion size and sausage).
- Protein: High, from sausage and Parmesan.
- Fat: Moderate, from sausage and olive oil.
- Carbs: Moderate, from pasta.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Bold, Italian Bliss!
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage is the ultimate hearty pasta, blending sweet sausage, peppery greens, and tender orecchiette for a classic Italian meal. Rated 4.6/5 by 30 reviewers, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep. So, fire up your skillet, toss this vibrant pasta, and enjoy a taste of Italy. We’d love to hear how your pasta turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
Print
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
Description
Craving a robust, flavorful pasta that’s perfect for a cozy dinner? Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage combines sweet Italian sausage, peppery broccoli rabe, and tender orecchiette in a garlicky, spicy sauce, finished with shaved Parmesan
Ingredients
Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage uses bold, accessible ingredients for an authentic Italian result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing and flavor.
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth.
- Kosher salt, to taste, plus 1 ½ teaspoons: Seasons the dish and water.
- 2 pounds broccoli rabe, stems trimmed: Provides peppery, green flavor.
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta: Cup-shaped pasta to hold the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced: Infuses aromatic, savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste: Adds adjustable heat.
- Shaved Parmesan, for garnish: Brings nutty, salty finish.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Sausage: Sweet Italian sausage provides rich, meaty flavor to balance the greens.
- Broccoli Rabe: Adds a bitter, peppery contrast, typical of Italian cuisine.
- Orecchiette: Perfectly catches the sauce and ingredients for a cohesive bite.
- Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Create a bold, aromatic base with a spicy kick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Replace with hot Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for vegetarian.
- Broccoli Rabe: Substitute with broccolini, kale, or spinach (adjust blanching time).
- Orecchiette: Use farfalle, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Garlic: Swap with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Omit for milder flavor or increase to 1 teaspoon for extra heat.
- Parmesan: Use Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or nutritional yeast for vegan.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm sausage is gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Pasta: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a sliced chili.
- Creamy Pasta: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or mascarpone before tossing.
- Veggie-Packed Pasta: Add ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes with the broccoli rabe.
- Lemon Zest Pasta: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for brightness.
- Vegetarian Pasta: Replace sausage with 1 cup white beans or plant-based sausage.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 pound sausage, kosher salt, 2 pounds broccoli rabe, 1 pound orecchiette, 4 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, shaved Parmesan.
- Trim broccoli rabe stems; slice garlic; shave Parmesan.
Tip: Trim tough broccoli rabe stems carefully; prep ingredients in advance for quick cooking.
Step 2: Cook Sausage
- Heat 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound sweet Italian sausage; cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Remove sausage to a plate; reserve pan and drippings.
Tip: Break sausage into smaller pieces if preferred; keep drippings for flavor.
Step 3: Blanch Broccoli Rabe
- Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat; add a large pinch of kosher salt.
- Add 2 pounds broccoli rabe; cook until bright green and tender but slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer broccoli rabe with tongs to a colander; rinse under cold running water.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Reserve boiling water.
Tip: Blanch briefly to reduce bitterness; cold rinse preserves color and texture.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
- Add 1 pound orecchiette to the reserved boiling water; cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 12 minutes (or 1 minute less than package instructions).
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta cooking water; drain pasta in a colander.
Tip: Check pasta at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking; reserve extra water if needed.
Step 5: Cook Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
- Heat reserved skillet with drippings over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves sliced garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add chopped broccoli rabe, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; increase heat to medium-high.
- Cook, stirring, until broccoli rabe is hot and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Slice sausage into ¼-inch thick coins; add to pan and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning; slice sausage evenly for consistent texture.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Add drained orecchiette and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the skillet; toss to combine.
- Cook until sauce clings to pasta, about 1 minute.
- Transfer to a serving dish or 4 individual bowls (about 1 ½ cups per serving).
- Garnish with shaved Parmesan and serve hot.
Tip: Add extra pasta water if sauce is too thick; toss vigorously for even coating.
FAQs
1. Why is my broccoli rabe bitter?
Not blanching enough can cause this; blanch for 5 minutes and rinse in cold water.
2. Can I use hot sausage?
Yes, swap sweet sausage for hot Italian sausage for extra spice.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and confirm sausage is gluten-free.
4. Why is my sauce not clinging to the pasta?
Insufficient pasta water or tossing can cause this; add reserved water gradually and toss vigorously.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Prep broccoli rabe and sausage ahead; cook pasta and assemble fresh for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Sausage provides protein; broccoli rabe offers fiber and vitamins (C, K); moderate in fat, pair with a salad for balance.