Spoon Simple
Spicy Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette
A flavorful and slightly spicy pasta dish featuring crumbled Italian sausage and tender broccoli rabe tossed with orecchiette pasta in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce. Quick enough for a weeknight, sophisticated enough for guests.
Prep 15 min
Cook 20 min
Total 35 min
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Pasta
- 1 lb orecchiette pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild), casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and roughly chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- 1
Cook Pasta and Broccoli Rabe
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli rabe to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- 2
Cook Sausage
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess grease, leaving about 1 tbsp in the skillet.
- 3
Sauté Garlic and Rabe
Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden (be careful not to burn it). Add the blanched broccoli rabe and toss to combine with the sausage and garlic.
- 4
Combine and Finish
Add the drained orecchiette and broccoli rabe to the skillet. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, allowing the starchy water to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- 5
Serve
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition per serving: 580 cal · 30g protein · 50g carbs · 30g fat · 6g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
