There is something beautifully heartwarming about gathering around the dinner table with family, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal. Today’s recipe, Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette, embodies this sentiment. The harmonious blend of savory sausage, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and the unique texture of orecchiette pasta makes this dish a must-try. Its rich flavors are perfect for a cozy family dinner, making it an ideal choice whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or looking for something comforting on a weekday evening.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound halal sausage, casings removed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the pan. Cook until tender and slightly wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Add the cooked orecchiette to the pan, tossing to combine with the sausage and broccoli rabe. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Toss well to combine, ensuring the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Helpful Tips
- To make the dish even easier, you can blanch the broccoli rabe in the boiling pasta water for a minute before adding it to the pan.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use broccolini or regular broccoli instead of broccoli rabe.
- For a touch of freshness, add a handful of fresh basil or parsley right before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.
Pairings
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine and a loaf of fresh, crusty bread.
- For a complete meal, serve with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
At Zynahz, our mission is to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen. We hope this Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette Recipe inspires you to gather your family and friends and create wonderful memories together. We would love for you to try this recipe and share your delicious results with us. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! For more amazing recipes, follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter. Let’s make every meal special, together.
