Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces orecchiette pasta
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into smaller pieces (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the orecchiette and cook until just tender, following the package directions. Before draining, save 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- In a large frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and sauté until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper (if using) into the pan, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Introduce the broccoli rabe to the skillet, then pour in the vegetable broth. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the broccoli rabe is tender yet still vibrant.
- Toss the drained orecchiette into the skillet, mixing everything well. If the dish appears too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir in the Pecorino Romano cheese and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if you wish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian twist, replace the sausage with sautéed eggplant or a plant-based sausage alternative.
- A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of zest can elevate the dish with a refreshing touch just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 0mg