orecchiette and sausage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best orecchiette and sausage recipe

I’ve been making orecchiette and sausage recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This dish comes from Italy, where orecchiette pasta is a staple. The combination of the small ear-shaped pasta with the flavorful sausage and vegetables is a perfect match.

When I cook this recipe, I like to use sweet Italian sausage, which gives it a nice flavor. My kids love helping me make this dish because they can get involved in the process of cooking the sausage and pasta. It’s also a great way to teach them about different cultures and cuisines.

Orecchiette and sausage recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday party. The best part is that it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit everyone’s tastes. I like to serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread on the side.

This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your tastes by using different types of sausage or adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

It’s also very easy to make ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special events. The key to making this dish is to cook the pasta al dente, which means it should still have some bite to it. This ensures that the pasta holds up well to the flavorful sauce and doesn’t become mushy.

When I cook this recipe, I like to use high-quality ingredients like fresh vegetables and good-quality sausage, which makes all the difference in the flavor of the dish.

Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

4.7 from 833 votes

This hearty Italian pasta dish pairs ear-shaped orecchiette with savory Italian sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe. A simple garlic and white wine sauce brings everything together for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Vegetables

1 pound orecchiette pasta
1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the orecchiette and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 11 minutes.
3During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli rabe to the pot and cook until bright green and tender.
4Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and broccoli rabe in a colander.
5Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
6Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
8The sausage should be golden brown and no longer pink inside.
9Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
10Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
11Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
12Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with the wooden spoon.
13Let the wine simmer until reduced by half, about 2 minutes.
14The sauce should be slightly thickened and glossy.
15Add the drained pasta and broccoli rabe to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water.
16Toss everything together over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
17The mixture should be creamy and well combined.
18Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
19Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
20Serve immediately in warm bowls with extra cheese on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 62g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: If broccoli rabe is too bitter for your taste, blanch it in boiling water for 2 minutes before adding to the pasta pot. You can also use spinach or kale as a milder substitute. For extra flavor, use a combination of sweet and hot sausage.

Watch Video Of How Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Works

This orecchiette and sausage recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it’s easy to make, customizable to suit everyone’s tastes, and packed with nutrients from the fresh vegetables and good-quality sausage. My family loves helping me make this dish because they can get involved in the process of cooking the sausage and pasta.

It’s also a great way to teach them about different cultures and cuisines. For storage ideas, you can refrigerate or freeze leftovers for up to three days or longer respectively.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

1.

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using sweet Italian sausage for this recipe, as it gives the dish a nice flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

2.

Can I substitute other types of pasta for orecchiette?
While orecchiette is traditional in this recipe, you can substitute other small pasta shapes like conchiglie or shells if you don’t have orecchiette on hand.

3.

How do I prevent the sausage from breaking apart when cooking?
To prevent the sausage from breaking apart when cooking, make sure to cook it over medium heat and stir frequently until it’s browned and cooked through.

4.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by cooking the pasta and sauce separately and then combining them when you’re ready to serve.

5.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe?
Some good side dishes to serve with this recipe include a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

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