Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
A classic Italian-American pasta dish featuring ear-shaped pasta, savory sausage, and slightly bitter broccoli rabe. It's a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Water and Blanch Broccoli Rabe
- b.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously. This water will be used for both the broccoli rabe and the pasta.
- c.While the water heats, trim about an inch from the tough, woody ends of the broccoli rabe.
- d.Add the broccoli rabe to the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until it's tender-crisp and bright green.
- e.Using tongs or a spider strainer, remove the rabe from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board to cool slightly. Do not discard the water. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop the rabe.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Bring the same pot of water back to a full boil.
- c.Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 9-11 minutes.
- d.Before draining the pasta, reserve at least 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Sausage and Aromatics
- b.While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Create the Sauce
- b.Add the chopped, blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet with the sausage and stir to combine.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth (or 1/2 cup of pasta water) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- d.Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Add the drained orecchiette to the skillet along with the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water.
- c.Toss everything together vigorously over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is well-coated and a light, glossy sauce forms. If the sauce is too thick, add another splash of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- d.Season with black pepper to taste. Salt is likely not needed due to the salty pasta water, sausage, and cheese, but taste and adjust if necessary.
- e.Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the same pot of water for blanching the rabe and cooking the pasta to save time and cleanup.
- 2Don't skip reserving the pasta water. It's full of starch and is the key to creating a creamy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
- 3Blanching the broccoli rabe is essential to mellow its natural bitterness and ensure a tender texture.
- 4For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after cooking the garlic and before adding the broccoli rabe.
- 5Use high-quality block Pecorino Romano and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the sausage and sauté 8 oz of sliced cremini mushrooms. Add a can of drained cannellini beans along with the broccoli rabe for protein.
Different GreensDifferent Greens
If broccoli rabe is unavailable, you can substitute it with broccolini, kale, or Swiss chard. Adjust blanching time as needed.
Add insAdd-ins
Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) or toasted pine nuts at the end for extra flavor and texture.
Cheese SwapCheese Swap
While Pecorino is traditional, you can substitute it with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for a slightly nuttier, less salty flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Broccoli rabe is an excellent source of vitamins K, A, and C, as well as folate and iron, which are essential for bone health, vision, immune function, and blood production.
Good Source of Protein
The Italian sausage and Pecorino Romano cheese provide a significant amount of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The orecchiette pasta offers complex carbohydrates, which are broken down slowly by the body to provide a steady and sustained release of energy.
High in Dietary Fiber
Thanks to the broccoli rabe, this dish is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the type of sausage and amount of oil and cheese used.