Orecchiette with Turkey Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Walnuts

By jeknudson

Warming winter flavors unite to create this simple and elegant weeknight dish.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces uncooked orecchiette pasta
• 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 8 ounces sweet turkey Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 12 ounces), trimmed and coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid; drain.

2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 teaspoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add walnuts; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer walnuts to a plate.

3. Add remaining 4 teaspoons oil and sausage to pan; cook 6 minutes, stirring to crumble sausage. Add garlic, broccoli rabe, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping pan to loosen browned bits.

4. Add pasta, remaining 1/2 cup pasta water, walnuts, rind, juice, and red pepper to pan; toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.