Best Barefoot Contessa Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Recipe

Simmering with rustic charm, orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage whisks you straight to an Italian countryside kitchen.

Tender ear-shaped pasta embraces spicy sausage and emerald-green broccoli rabe in a passionate culinary dance.

Each forkful tells a story of tradition, blending robust flavors that sing with Mediterranean spirit.

Bitter greens and savory meat create a harmonious balance that transforms a simple meal into a memorable experience.

Fragrant herbs and perfectly seasoned ingredients elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crisp, golden sausage nestles among delicate pasta curves, promising a feast for both eyes and palate.

Your dinner table is about to become a canvas of authentic Italian comfort, get ready to fall in love with every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

All Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Orecchiette Dish

• Orecchiette Pasta: Select fresh, high-quality pasta with good wheat flavor and sturdy texture.
• Broccoli Rabe: Choose vibrant green bunches with crisp leaves and minimal yellow spots.
• Italian Sausage Links: Pick fresh sausages with visible herb specks and rich meat color.

• Garlic: Select firm, plump cloves without sprouting or soft spots.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Choose bright red flakes for maximum heat and flavor punch.
• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for enhanced natural taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more robust, intense flavor profile.

• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Select aged cheese with sharp, tangy undertones.
• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin variety for authentic Mediterranean essence.
• Reserved Cooking Water: Starchy liquid helps create silky, clinging sauce texture.

Tools Used in Barefoot Contessa Orecchiette Dish

• Large Pot: For boiling water and blanching broccoli rabe.
• Skillet: Perfect for sizzling sausage and combining ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta and broccoli rabe.
• Ice Bath Bowl: Stops cooking process for broccoli rabe.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and slicing sausage.
• Cheese Grater: Needed for freshly grating Pecorino Romano.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of seasonings.
• Serving Dishes: For presenting the final pasta meal.

Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Orecchiette Dish

• Prepare Greens Quickly

Boil water and toss in broccoli rabe. Cook for a few minutes until bright green. Transfer immediately to cold water to stop cooking, then drain.

• Create Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Sizzle sausage until edges turn crispy and meat is fully cooked.

• Combine Ingredients

Fold blanched greens into sausage pan. Add a splash of cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until heated through.

• Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil pasta until tender but firm. Make sure to save some cooking water for extra sauce magic.

• Bring Dish Together

Mix pasta with sausage and green mixture. Toss over high heat so sauce clings beautifully to pasta. Sprinkle with aged cheese before serving.

Flavor Variations for Barefoot Contessa Orecchiette

Explore exciting ways to make this dish uniquely yours.

Dial the heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding fresh chopped chili peppers for adventurous palates. A touch of sriracha can also elevate the flavor profile dramatically.

Replace Italian sausage with chicken chorizo, turkey sausage, or plant-based alternatives for different taste experiences. Vegetarian options like roasted mushrooms can provide similar hearty textures.

Toss in roasted bell peppers, sautéed onions, or sun-dried tomatoes to boost nutritional value and create deeper flavor complexity. Caramelized fennel works exceptionally well with this recipe.

Experiment beyond Pecorino Romano by trying aged Parmeggiano-Reggiano, creamy goat cheese, or sharp provolone. Each cheese brings a unique character to the final dish.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Orecchiette Perfectly

• Elevate Dining Experience: Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp, chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio to balance the rich, spicy sausage flavors.
• Create Textural Contrast: Serve with toasted crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Add Fresh Brightness: Scatter fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to introduce a vibrant, herbal note that cuts through the dish's richness.
• Complete the Meal: Complement the pasta with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the robust main course.

Store and Plan for Barefoot Contessa Orecchiette Leftovers

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, bringing back the dish's original delicious flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare sausage and broccoli rabe mixture ahead of time and store separately from pasta. Keep components refrigerated for easy assembly during busy weeknights, saving precious cooking time.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze sauce and sausage mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with freshly cooked pasta for a convenient make-ahead meal solution.

Rustic Barefoot Contessa Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe And Sausage Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage combines Italian countryside flavors in a hearty pasta dish. Ina Garten’s simple recipe delivers robust tastes through perfectly balanced ingredients you will savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) spicy Italian sausage
• 1 lb (454 g) orecchiette pasta
• 1 lb (454 g) broccoli rabe (1 bunch)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 5 large garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or ½ tsp Aleppo pepper flakes)
• 1 cup (240 ml) broccoli rabe water
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly-grated

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Instructions

1. Blanch Broccoli Rabe: Immerse the broccoli rabe in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until it turns a vibrant emerald green. Transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain completely. Reserve one cup of cooking liquid.
2. Prepare Sausage Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Add Italian sausage, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through, breaking the meat into crumbles.
3. Combine Ingredients: Integrate blanched broccoli rabe into the sausage mixture. Pour in reserved cooking liquid, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss until ingredients are thoroughly heated and well-combined.
4. Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, cook orecchiette in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed for moisture.
5. Final Assembly: Return pasta to the pot, adding sausage and broccoli rabe mixture. Toss vigorously to ensure even coating. Transfer to serving plates, generously topping with additional sauce and a hearty sprinkle of aged Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Blanch Broccoli Carefully: Quickly boil broccoli rabe for 2-3 minutes to preserve its bright green color and prevent overcooking, which can make it bitter and lose nutrients.
• Master Sausage Browning: Cook sausage on medium-high heat, stirring frequently to achieve a golden-brown exterior that develops rich, caramelized flavor and ensures complete internal cooking.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve cooking liquid from broccoli rabe to create a silky sauce base that helps bind ingredients and adds depth to the overall dish’s flavor profile.
• Cheese Finishing Touch: Generously sprinkle aged Pecorino Romano to elevate the dish’s taste, providing a sharp, salty complement that cuts through the rich sausage and balances the slightly bitter broccoli rabe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg