Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
Orecchiette shaped pasta (Little Ears) is typical of Apulia in the Southern region of Italy. Many of the traditional recipes include bitter type greens, like this recipe with Broccoli Rabe, but Arugula works well too. The greens are often combined with red pepper flakes, spicy sausage or Anchovy fillets. The thin little shells cradle all the flavors added to any sauce. DeCecco is my favorite brand followed closely by Montebello, and both are generally available in better stores.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Orecchiette pasta(457g)
- 1 lb Broccoli Rabe (457g)
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (either pork or chicken) (457g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil ((35g)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (3g)
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (14g)
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli rabe into bite size pieces and discard any tough stems. Remove the sausage from the casing and crumble into small pieces.
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add the broccoli rabe pieces. Boil for 1 minute, and remove the pieces to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. When cooled, remove from the water and place the pieces on a tea towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. The Orecchiette (I like DeCecco) will cook in 9 to 10 minutes, and the sausage broccoli rabe topping will take about 7 minutes to cook. So, give the pasta a minute or two then start the process of cooking the topping.NOTE: Pasta should always be cooked in a pot that is large enough that it can tumble freely while boiling, and the water should be significantly salty. One pound of pasta is best cooked in an 8 to 10 quart pot with a good 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Heat a large (10" to 12" is a good choice) sauté pan. Add the 2 tablespoons of oil, wait for it to warm, then add the pieces of sausage. Sauté the sausage for about 4 minutes or until it starts to brown, then add the red pepper flakes, the broccoli rabe and a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Once the pasta is just about cooked (8 to 9 minutes), scoop out of the water using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and add directly to the sausage/broccoli Rabe. Don't worry if you get a bit of the pasta water along with the pasta. Stir to coat the Orecchiette with the other ingredients for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss till it melts and becomes part of the sauce. Check for salt and pepper. If it is a bit dry, add a touch more olive oil and a bit of the pasta water.
- Serve immediately topped with additional grated Parmesan Cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.