She Strengthens

Savoring the Flavors of Italy: A Classic Orecchiette Pasta Recipe

A Harmonious Blend of Sweet Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Imagine a dish that combines the richness of sweet Italian sausage, the earthiness of broccoli rabe, and the creaminess of Parmesan cheese, all tied together with freshly toasted bread crumbs. This classic orecchiette pasta recipe is a true Italian delight that will leave you craving for more.

A Quick and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

With a total cooking time of just 1 hour and 5 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with a difficulty level rated as “easy.”

Gathering the Essential Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of fresh bread crumbs
• Kosher salt
• 1 1/2 pounds of broccoli rabe
• 1 pound of orecchiette pasta
• 1/2 pound of sweet Italian sausage, cooked and coarsely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Pinch of red chile flakes
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

The Cooking Process

Step 1: Toasting the Bread Crumbs

Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and stir to coat. Sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring often, until the crumbs are deep golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cooking the Broccoli Rabe

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli rabe and cook until the stems are just tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs or a wire-mesh skimmer, lift out the broccoli rabe into a sieve and cool it quickly under cold running water. Drain and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture. Chop coarsely and set aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Pasta

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, according to the package directions.

Step 4: Preparing the Sausage Mixture

Warm the remaining 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in the same skillet you used for the breadcrumbs. Add the sausage, garlic, and red chile flakes and cook until the sausage is heated through, about 5 minutes. Add the broccoli rabe and cook about 2 minutes. Season with salt.

Step 5: Combining the Ingredients

When the pasta is ready, scoop out and reserve about 2 ladlefuls of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the sausage mixture and the cheese and stir and toss well over low heat to combine, adjusting the consistency with some of the cooking water, if needed.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Divide the pasta evenly into warmed serving bowls, sprinkle with the toasted bread crumbs, and serve immediately. Buon appetito!