Orecchiette with Sausage

Indulge in the rustic flavors of Italy with this satisfying recipe for Orecchiette with Sausage. Perfectly al dente orecchiette pasta pairs beautifully with savory Italian sausage, tender broccoli rabe (or spinach), and a touch of red chili flakes for a subtle kick. This one-pan wonder comes together in just 35 minutes, featuring a light, buttery sauce enhanced with chicken stock and Parmesan cheese for a creamy, flavorful finish. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend meal, this dish strikes a perfect balance of hearty and fresh. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for an authentic Italian touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Orecchiette pasta
• 300 grams Italian sausage (casing removed)
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoons Red chili flakes
• 200 grams Broccoli rabe or spinach
• 125 milliliters Chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 50 grams Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the pan with the sausage, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the broccoli rabe (or spinach) to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for 2 minutes to create a light sauce.

Step 6

Add the cooked orecchiette to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Stir in the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and well combined.

Step 7

If needed, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and ensure the pasta is coated evenly.

Step 8

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1158.4 grams (1158.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3205

Total Fat 166.40g	213%
Saturated Fat 58.00g	290%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 321mg	107%
Sodium 5537mg	241%
Total Carbohydrate 309.20g	112%
Dietary Fiber 13.60g	49%
Total Sugars 10.00g
Protein 123.80g	248%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1160mg	89%
Iron 20mg	113%
Potassium 1633mg	35%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.4%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 38.3%