Rustic Orecchiette with Pesto, Broad Beans, and Italian Sausage
Indulge in the robust flavors of rustic Italian cuisine with this delightful Rustic Orecchiette with Pesto, Broad Beans, and Italian Sausage recipe. This one-dish meal combines tender orecchiette pasta with vibrant broad beans, savory slices of Italian sausage, and a luscious, cheese-free pesto sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, each bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients and culinary traditions. Serve it with a sprinkle of Pecorino cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the experience.
N/A
Servings
212
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orecchiette
200 (cooked al dente)
Spaghetti no. 3
100 (broken into 4 pieces)
Pesto sauce
300 (cheese-free)
Broad beans
400 (uncooked, skin removed)
Italian sausage
1 (sliced)
Shallot
1 (finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely minced)
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon for cooking)
Pecorino cheese
to taste (for serving, optional)
Extra virgin olive oil
to taste (for serving, optional)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for serving, optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broad beans and cook them until they are tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain the beans and set them aside, ensuring to remove the outer greyish skin, which can be tough.
2
In the same pot, add more salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later use.
3
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sliced Italian sausage, cooking until the shallot becomes translucent and the sausage is lightly browned, around 5-6 minutes.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, gently mix in the cooked orecchiette, broad beans, and pesto sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it becomes creamy and well incorporated.
5
Once everything is evenly combined and heated through, remove from the heat. Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Pecorino cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Orecchiette with Pesto, Broad Beans, and Italian Sausage?
It is a robust Italian one-dish meal combining orecchiette pasta, broad beans, Italian sausage, and a cheese-free pesto sauce.
How long should I cook the broad beans?
Broad beans should be boiled for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are tender.
Do I need to peel the broad beans?
Yes, after boiling and draining, you should remove the tough outer greyish skin from the beans.
How long does the orecchiette pasta take to cook?
The orecchiette pasta typically takes 10-12 minutes to cook until it is al dente.
Why should I reserve the pasta water?
Reserving pasta water is useful for loosening the mixture if it becomes too dry when combining the ingredients.
What type of pesto is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for a cheese-free pesto sauce.
How should the Italian sausage be prepared?
The Italian sausage should be sliced and then cooked in a skillet until lightly browned.
How long do I sauté the shallot and sausage?
You should sauté the finely chopped shallot and sliced sausage together for about 5-6 minutes.
When should I add the minced garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the sausage and shallots have cooked for 5-6 minutes, then sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
What should I do if the pasta and pesto mixture is too dry?
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir until the mixture becomes creamy and well incorporated.
How do I prepare the Spaghetti no. 3 included in the ingredients?
The Spaghetti no. 3 should be broken into four pieces.
What are the optional garnishes for this dish?
Optional garnishes include freshly grated Pecorino cheese, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 212 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 7.5g per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This dish provides 10g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe and a one-dish meal.
What kind of oil should I use for cooking?
One tablespoon of olive oil is recommended for sautéing the shallot and sausage.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be finely minced.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the shallot?
The shallot should be finely chopped before cooking.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is a celebration of Italian cuisine.
Can I serve this at a gathering?
Yes, it is ideal for both a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends.
How much broad beans do I need?
The recipe calls for 400 grams of uncooked broad beans.
How much orecchiette is required?
The recipe requires 200 grams of orecchiette pasta.
Is the Pecorino cheese mandatory?
No, the Pecorino cheese is an optional ingredient for serving.
What is the primary flavor profile of this meal?
The dish features a harmony of savory sausage, vibrant broad beans, and luscious pesto.
Should the pasta be cooked fully?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, which means it remains firm to the bite.
How much pesto is needed?
The recipe uses 300 grams of cheese-free pesto sauce.
How do I serve the final dish?
Serve it warm, garnished with cheese, oil, and pepper to taste.