Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

Ingredients

• 300g (10.5 oz) orecchiette pasta 300g (10.5 oz) orecchiette pasta
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 250g (9 oz) Italian sausage, crumbled 250g (9 oz) Italian sausage, crumbled
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate pot, blanch the chopped broccoli rabe in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and toss to combine with the sausage.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Broccoli Rabe — Make sure to blanch the broccoli rabe briefly to retain its vibrant green color and slightly crisp texture.
• Italian Sausage — Use a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with crumbled tofu or tempeh seasoned with Italian herbs.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Experiment with different types of sausage, such as chicken or turkey, for a healthier twist.
• Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine.

Presentation advice

Plate the dish by arranging the orecchiette pasta in the center of the plate, topped with the broccoli rabe and sausage mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for an added pop of color.