Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook Pasta and Broccoli Rabe

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the chopped broccoli rabe to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.

2. 2

   Cook Sausage

   While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess grease, leaving about 1 tbsp in the skillet.

3. 3

   Sauté Garlic and Rabe

   Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden (be careful not to burn it). Add the blanched broccoli rabe and toss to combine with the sausage and garlic.

4. 4

   Combine and Finish

   Add the drained orecchiette and broccoli rabe to the skillet. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together, allowing the starchy water to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency.

5. 5

   Serve

   Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.