Name: Authentic Barese Orecchiette with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb dried or fresh orecchiette pasta; 0.75 lb sweet or spicy Italian sausage; 1 bunch broccoli rabe (rapini), chopped; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic cloves, sliced; 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 0.75 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

By Mery Voice Kitchen Tested • Updated October 2026

⬇ Jump to Recipe

Prep

15m

Cook

15m

Total

30m

Servings

Calories

520 kcal

✨ Why This Recipe Works

Hand-shaped ear pasta tossed with savory Italian fennel sausage, sautéed broccoli rabe, toasted garlic, and Pecorino Romano.

Crafted with everyday pantry staples and perfected in Mery's home kitchen, this Authentic Barese Orecchiette with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe brings authentic comfort and vibrant flavors straight to your table. Every step has been carefully timed and measured so home cooks of any skill level can recreate foolproof, delicious results with ease.

With a quick 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, this wholesome dish balances ease and rich flavor without requiring complicated culinary equipment.

💡 Mery's Secret for Success: Save 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water to emulsify the olive oil and pecorino into a silky glaze.

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🥗 Ingredients (tap to check off)

1 lb dried or fresh orecchiette pasta
0.75 lb sweet or spicy Italian sausage
1 bunch broccoli rabe (rapini), chopped
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic cloves, sliced
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
0.75 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil Pasta & Greens

Cook orecchiette in salted boiling water. Add broccoli rabe in the last 3 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Brown Sausage & Garlic

In a large skillet, brown sausage in olive oil. Add sliced garlic and chili flakes.

Toss & Emulsify

Toss pasta and greens into the skillet with reserved pasta water and Pecorino Romano until glossy.

❄️ Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water or olive oil, or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until thoroughly warmed. This preserves the delicate moisture without drying out the texture.

🍳 Recommended Kitchen Equipment

Kitchen Note: Having the right kitchen tools ensures foolproof results. We recommend items tested in our own home kitchen.

Large Deep Sauté Skillet View Tool →

📊 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Calories

520

Protein

24g

Carbs

62g

Fat

20g

Fiber

Mery Voice

Food Creator, Home Chef & Host of Taste of Empires

I believe honest, homemade cooking should be approachable, comforting, and deeply flavorful. Every recipe on this website is thoroughly tested in my home kitchen using real ingredients. I hope this dish brings warmth and delicious memories to your family table!

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We’d love to know how it turned out! Leave your star rating, helpful tips, or fun ingredient swaps below for fellow home cooks.

Authentic Barese Orecchiette with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe