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Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe uses chicken sausage in place of pork and a whole lot of garlic! This lightened up version will not disappoint!!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 289
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large bunch broccoli rabe (washed and 2" trimmed off stems)
  • 1 lb lean chicken sausage (removed from casing)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 5-6 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 10 oz orecchiette pasta (wheat or gluten-free)
  • 1 cup less sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cut broccoli rabe in quarters.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. When it comes to a rolling boil, add broccoli rabe.
  3. Blanch for about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes, drain and set aside in a colander.
  4. Re-fill pot with water and salt for the pasta and bring back to a boil.
  5. Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente.
  6. In a large deep sauté pan, brown sausage on medium heat, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks.
  7. When completely cooked through set aside in a dish or a bowl.
  8. Increase heat to medium high, add olive oil to the pan; when hot add garlic and cook until golden (don't burn).
  9. Return broccoli rabe to the pan, mix well with the garlic and oil, season with salt and pepper and cook about a minute. Return cooked sausage to the pan and mix well.
  10. Drain pasta and add to the broccoli rabe. Reduce heat and stir for about 30 seconds.
  11. Add chicken broth, parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using.
  12. Adjust salt and pepper to taste and toss another 30 seconds so that everything is mixed well and the pasta is coated with the sauce.
  13. Remove from heat and add to a large pasta dish or divide equally between 6 pasta bowls. Serve with additional grated cheese if you desire.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 21gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

  • To keep the broccoli rabe vibrant and bright, make sure to blanch it for the recommended time, then immediately plunge it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  • When cooking the sausage, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and breaks apart easily to avoid any tough or chewy pieces in your final dish.
  • If you find the dish too bitter, consider substituting the broccoli rabe with baby broccoli or sautéed spinach for a milder flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
  • To save time, you can cook the orecchiette while you sauté the sausage and garlic, ensuring everything is ready to combine at the same time.

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