Robo-Prep!

Orecciette with Italian Sausage and Broccolini!
Ingredients:
-1 package Orecchiette pasta
-20 cherry tomatoes, halved
-2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
-1/2 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 tsp dried oregano
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
-1/4 cup white wine
-4 cups chopped broccolini
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-3 tsp lemon zest

Steps:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Orecchiette pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the pasta in a colander.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it starts to brown and no longer appears pink, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and the cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 2 minutes.

4. Add the white wine to the skillet. Cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, until the liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes.

5. Add the broccolini to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender, about 4 minutes.

6. Add the cooked Orecchiette to the skillet. Pour in the reserved cooking liquid. Cook, tossing sometimes, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the Orecchiette is heated through, about 2 minutes.

7. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Toss to combine.

Pair with:A light bodied red such as a Pinot Noir.

Descriptive Paragraph:

Orecciette with Italian Sausage and Broccolini

Where is the Recipe Popular?

Orecciette with Italian Sausage and Broccolini is a classic Italian dish from the region of Puglia. It is usually prepared and served when the weather outside is chilly. The regional dish is most popular in Southern Italy, but it is loved around the world for its rich and fulfilling flavors. The combination of the earthy sausage and bright Broccolini, contrasted with the chewy texture of the orecciette pasta is an irresistible delight.

Making the Dish Gluten Free

For those on a gluten free diet, the dish can easily be adjusted by substituting the orecciette pasta with a gluten free alternative, such as rice noodles or soba noodles. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the sausage being used is gluten free, as some brands may include gluten as an ingredient.

Making the Dish Vegan

The traditional dish can be made easily vegan with a few modifications. For the sausage, opt for a vegan alternative such as Beyond Meat Italian Sausage.
It is also important to switch up the cooking oil used. Olive oil is a great choice as it maintains the Italian flavor profile, but any neutral oil like avocado oil or vegetable oil can also be used.

In Conclusion

This classic Italian dish is a crowd pleaser that can easily be altered to be vegan or gluten-free. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a hearty meal, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

For more information:

Orecciette on Wikipedia
Italian Sausage on Wikipedia