Delicious Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe, Sausage, and Pecorino Cheese

4 stars
3.93 (16)
Delicious Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe, Sausage, and Pecorino Cheese
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on December 06, 2023

Indulge in the delicious flavors of this Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe, Sausage, and Pecorino Cheese dish. The combination of tender orecchiette pasta, sautéed broccoli rabe, savory sausage, and grated pecorino cheese creates a mouthwatering and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your family and friends. Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside a fresh salad. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound orecchiette pasta
  • 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 Italian sausages, casings removed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated pecorino cheese

Directions

  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. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausages, breaking them up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet and cook until wilted and tender, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Return the cooked sausages to the skillet with the broccoli rabe. Stir to combine.
  6. Add the cooked orecchiette pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture.
  7. Sprinkle the grated pecorino cheese over the pasta and gently toss to incorporate. Allow the cheese to melt slightly.
  8. Serve the Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe, Sausage, and Pecorino Cheese hot.
  9. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • Orecchiette pasta, which means 'little ears' in Italian, is a traditional pasta shape from the Puglia region in Southern Italy.
  • Broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients and has a slightly bitter taste.
  • Pecorino cheese is a hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish.