Sausage Orecchiette

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Sausage Orecchiette, a comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines tender orecchiette pasta with savory Italian sausage and vibrant broccoli rabe. This quick and easy recipe is elevated with the bold aroma of garlic and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, creating the perfect balance of earthy, spicy, and savory notes. Tossed in olive oil and finished with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan, this one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights or casual dining. Ready in under 35 minutes, this hearty pasta is sure to become a family favorite. Explore the perfect pairing of texture and flavor in every bite, and serve up a dinner that's both satisfying and full of fresh ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces orecchiette pasta
• 8 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe (washed and trimmed)
• 3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the garlic slices. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the broccoli rabe to the skillet, along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli rabe cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and wilted. If the skillet becomes too dry, add additional pasta water as needed.

Step 5

Stir in the cooked sausage, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 6

Add the cooked orecchiette to the skillet, along with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and toss to coat. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(914.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2796.0

Total Fat 135.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 254.9mg	0%
Sodium 6088.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 263.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.7g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 128.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1707.0mg	0%
Iron 15.8mg	0%
Potassium 1498.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.7%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 37.8%