How to Cook Perfect Orecchiette with Spicy Sausage & Broccoli Rabe: A Delicious Italian Dish

Ingredients

• 12 oz Fresh Pasta (Orecchiette or similar) (uncooked, preferably fresh for quick cooking)
• 12 oz Hot Italian Sausage (removed from casing and broken up)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 8 oz Broccoli Rabe (Rapini) (trimmed, tough stems removed, roughly chopped)
• 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, for serving)

Instructions

1. Heat Oil and Sear Sausage

   Place the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat, add olive oil, and let it shimmer. Add the broken‑up sausage and sear until a deep brown crust forms.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

2. Crisp the Sausage

   Continue cooking, breaking the sausage into smaller pieces with the spoon, until it is fully cooked and nicely crisp, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium‑high

3. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

   Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   Time: PT30S

   Temperature: Medium‑high

4. Cook Broccoli Rabe

   Toss in the chopped broccoli rabe and sauté for about 1 minute, allowing it to wilt but retain some bite.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium

5. Add Fresh Pasta and Water

   Add the fresh pasta directly to the pot. Pour in enough hot water (about 2‑3 cups) to just cover the pasta. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (5‑7 minutes).

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: Boiling

6. Season and Serve

   Drain any excess liquid if needed, season with salt and black pepper, toss to combine, and serve hot topped with grated Parmesan.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

20g

Fiber

4g