ORECCHIETTE WITH SPICY SAUSAGE AND BROCCOLI RABE

Orecchiette With Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe image

Provided by Pumpkie

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 bunches broccoli rabe, stalks trimmed and quartered crosswise
12 ounces dried orecchiette
3 tablespoons qood quality olive oil
1 lb spicy bulk sausage
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/8-1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Strain the broccoli rabe, and reserve all the cooking liquid. Set the broccoli rabe aside.
Cook the orecchiette in the same pot of boiling water until tender but still firm about 8 minutes, stir occasionally. Drain reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the sausage and cook breaking up with a spoon until the sausage is brown and juices form, about 8 minutes.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli rabe and toss to coat.
Add the pasta and enough reserved cooking liquid, 1/4 cup at a time, to moisten.
Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt to taste, and pepper into the pasta mixture. Serve immediately or at room temperature.