Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette 🥦🥩🧄🍝 Bitter Greens, Juicy Sausage, and Chewy Pasta Pockets in a Garlicky Olive Oil Sauce

This southern Italian classic is all about contrast: the slight bitterness of broccoli rabe against rich, savory sausage and al dente orecchiette that cradles every bite.

Finished with garlic-infused olive oil and a punch of chili heat, it’s rustic, bold, and absurdly comforting.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz orecchiette
• Salted water for boiling
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the greens & sausage

• 1 bunch broccoli rabe (rapini), ends trimmed and roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or sweet), casings removed
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

To finish

• 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Pecorino or Parmesan (optional)
• Lemon wedges or zest (optional)
• Toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Blanch the broccoli rabe
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch broccoli rabe for 1–2 minutes until just tender and bright green. Remove with tongs and set aside. Use the same water for the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the pasta
Boil orecchiette until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy water, then drain.

Step 3: Brown the sausage
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté aromatics & greens
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Add blanched broccoli rabe and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine
Return sausage to the pan. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved water. Drizzle in more olive oil and toss everything until glossy and well combined. Simmer 1–2 minutes to meld.

Step 6: Serve hot
Top with Pecorino if using, extra chili flakes, and lemon zest or a squeeze of juice for brightness. Add toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts for crunch if desired.

Flavor Variations

• Use kale or spinach if broccoli rabe isn’t available
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic for depth
• Swap sausage for pancetta, mushrooms, or white beans
• Finish with anchovy paste in the oil for umami boost
• Try whole wheat orecchiette for a nuttier bite

Pro Tips

• Blanching mellows broccoli rabe’s bitterness without losing character
• Use a good olive oil — it’s one of the main flavor carriers
• Don’t skip the pasta water — it’s crucial for emulsifying the sauce
• Garlic should be golden, not brown — watch it closely
• Let the orecchiette finish cooking in the pan to soak up flavor

Final Thoughts

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette is rustic Italian soul food — earthy, garlicky, and just spicy enough. Every bite lands with chewy pasta, savory sausage, and assertive greens that keep it balanced and bold.

Blanch it. Brown it. Swirl it rustic. 🥦🥩🧄🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.