Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette Pasta

Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette Pasta! A simple weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor, this pasta dish will become one recipe that's on repeat.

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.  Add pasta and cook according to package directions or desired doneness. {Mine took about 12 minutes.} When the pasta is cooked, scoop it out with a slotted spoon into a bowl while you cook the broccoli rabe.

Step 2

Bring the pasta water back up to a rolling boil add the broccoli rabe. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the leaves have wilted down.  Drain, saving about 2-3 tablespoons of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 3

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage (removed from casings); break up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until no longer pink.  Add minced garlic; cook for 1  minute.  Add blanched broccoli rabe to the pan and salute for another 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Step 4

Add the cooked pasta to the pan, along with the butter. Toss everything to combine. Add cheese and a few tablespoons of pasta water and mix until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated.

Step 5

Before serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over top of the pasta and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and extra cheese if desired.  Serve hot.

Step 5

Get the full recipe  in the post!