Hey there! Looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor but won’t take hours to make? This Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette is a winner. It’s a classic Italian dish that brings together the savory goodness of sausage, the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe, and the perfect little cups of orecchiette pasta to catch all the delicious sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to get some greens in! This recipe is a fantastic choice when you want something satisfying and tasty without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this fantastic pasta dish:
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large bunch broccoli rabe (about 1 pound), tough stems trimmed and roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, if you like it spicier)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (plus more for serving)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step By Step Making
Let’s get cooking!
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Cook the Sausage: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage fat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
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Add the Broccoli Rabe: Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet. Stir it around to coat it in the flavorful oil. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli rabe starts to wilt and turn bright green. If the pan seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or some of the reserved pasta water.
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Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the broccoli rabe and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth or about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the drained orecchiette pasta to the skillet. Toss well to combine, making sure the pasta is coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems a little dry, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese until it melts into the sauce.
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Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately in bowls, topped with extra grated Pecorino Romano cheese if you like. This dish is wonderful on its own, or you could serve it alongside a simple green salad. For a similar quick and tasty meal, you might also enjoy Garlicky Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Keep in mind these are estimates and can change based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Around 550-650 calories
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 60-70 grams
Health Benefits
Eating this Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette offers several good things for your body. Broccoli rabe is a powerhouse of vitamins, especially vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps your immune system. It also provides fiber, which is great for digestion. Italian sausage, while a source of protein for muscle building and keeping you full, should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The olive oil used is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. Overall, this meal balances satisfying flavors with nutritious ingredients, making it a good choice for a hearty and healthy dinner.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
