Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Recipe :

Ingredients:

• 1 pound orecchiette pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, washed and trimmed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   • While the pasta is cooking, chop the broccoli rabe into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Add Garlic and Broccoli Rabe:
   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes.
   • Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli rabe is tender but still vibrant green.
4. Combine Pasta and Sausage Mixture:
   • Add the cooked and drained orecchiette to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli rabe. Toss everything together to combine. If needed, drizzle with a bit more olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Season and Serve:
   • Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Feel free to add more red pepper flakes if you want it spicier.
   • Serve the orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe in bowls, and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe! This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine and some crusty bread on the side.