Mario Batali's Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta

By ranmcm

Ingredients

• 1 pound Orrecchiette Pasta (fresh or dried)
• 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus more for garnish)
• 1 1/2 pounds Hot Italian Sausage (casing removed)
• 1 bunch Broccoli Rabe (rinsed and chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (optional)
• 1 cup Pecorino (freshly grated)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from beta.abc.go.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta about 3 to 4 minutes or 1 minute short of the package instructions and drain, reserving 1 - 2 cups of pasta water.
3. Heat a large dutch oven or saute pan with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
4. Add the sausage and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon or potato masher, until browned, about 8 minutes.
5. Add the broccoli rabe to the pan.
6. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat in the pan drippings.
7. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes, just until tender.
8. Deglaze with a cup of reserved pasta water, scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
9. Add the pasta and toss to coat.
10. Cook for 1 minute and remove from the heat.
11. Add the freshly grated Pecorino and a drizzle of olive oil and toss to coat until creamy.
12. Serve with extra Pecorino and red chili flakes.