Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz orecchiette and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, trim the tough ends from the 1 bunch broccoli rabe and chop into 2-inch pieces. Rinse well and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the 8 oz sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the 2 minced garlic cloves and the broccoli rabe to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until the broccoli rabe is wilted and bright green, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta. Remove from heat and stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.