2Bunches of broccoli rabe, stalks trimmed and quarted crosswise
12ouncesdried orecchiette pasta or other small shaped pasta such as farfalle or penne
3tablespoonsolive oil
1poundspicy pork sausage, casings removed
3garlic gloves, minced
pinchof dried red pepper flakes
1/4cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese (I used this plus more for garnish)
1/2teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Strain the broccoli rabe, reserving all the cooking liquid. Set the broccoli rabe aside. Cook the orecchiette in the same pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occassionally, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
Meanwhile, in a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over a medium flame. 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 the Parmesan cheese, salt to taste, and the pepper into the pasta mixture.