Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly quick weeknight dinner? Look no further! This Rapini Orecchiette Sausage recipe is a flavorful explosion that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is packed with nutrients and satisfies even the most discerning palates. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking with this simple yet impressive dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
- 1 bunch rapini, trimmed and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Rapini and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the chopped rapini and cook until it wilts and becomes tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the rapini cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet with the rapini. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Rapini Orecchiette:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the sausage, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that the sausage browns evenly and doesn't steam.
- Don't overcook the rapini: Rapini is best when it's tender-crisp. Overcooking will make it mushy.
- Save that pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy sauce, binding everything together beautifully.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Use different sausage: Try using chicken sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon zest: A little lemon zest at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. A general estimate would place this dish around 400-500 calories per serving, depending on sausage choice and portion size. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
This Rapini Orecchiette Sausage recipe is a delightful and satisfying meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks. Enjoy!