Here’s a rustic, bold, and comforting Southern Italian dish: Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe (also called Orecchiette con Salsiccia e Cime di Rapa). It’s earthy, garlicky, slightly bitter, and wonderfully balanced by the rich sausage and chewy pasta.
🍝 Rustic Italian Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
🕐 Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4
Ingredients:
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12 oz orecchiette pasta
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1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet), casings removed
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1 bunch broccoli rabe (rapini), trimmed and chopped
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3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prep the broccoli rabe:
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Trim the tough ends and chop into 2–3 inch pieces.
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Blanch in boiling salted water for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain well.
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(This reduces the bitterness — but you can skip this step if you like it bold.)
2. Cook the pasta:
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In a large pot of salted water, cook orecchiette until al dente.
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Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
3. Brown the sausage:
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While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add sausage and cook until browned and crumbled (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté garlic & pepper flakes:
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In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
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Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute (don’t brown the garlic).
5. Add broccoli rabe:
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Stir in blanched broccoli rabe and sauté for 2–3 minutes until tender and coated with garlic oil.
6. Combine everything:
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Return sausage to the skillet. Add drained orecchiette and a splash of pasta water.
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Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes until well combined and glossy.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
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Plate warm and top with grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan.
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Drizzle with a little extra olive oil, if desired.
💡 Optional Add-Ins:
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A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
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A handful of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for texture.
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Swap broccoli rabe for broccolini or kale for a milder flavor.