Orcchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage

Family favorite!

RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 large bunch broccoli rabe, washed and 2″ trimmed off stems
1 lb hot or mild sausage, removed from casing
1 tsp olive oil
5-6 cloves garlic, chopped
10 oz orecchiette pasta, wheat or gluten-free
Reserve 1 cup pasta water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Directions:
Rinse and cut broccoli rabe. Bring a large pot of water to boil. When it comes to a rolling boil, add broccoli rabe. Blanch for about 1 1/2 – 2 minutes, drain and set aside in a colander.

Re-fill pot with water and salt for the pasta and bring back to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente.

In a large deep sauté pan, brown sausage on medium heat, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks. When completely cooked through set aside in a dish or a bowl.

Increase heat to medium high, add olive oil to the pan; when hot add garlic and cook until golden (don’t burn).

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. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
Drain pasta and add to the broccoli rabe. Reduce heat and stir for about 30 seconds.
Add parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. 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.

Serve with additional grated cheese if you desire.