Orecchiette with Spicy Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

• 2 Bunches of Broccoli Rabe, stalks trimmed and quartered crosswise
• 12 oz. dreid orecchiette pasta or other small shaped pasta ( farfalle or penne)
• 3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 lb. spicy pork sausage, casings removed
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Pinch of dried crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 C freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Strain the broccoli rabe, reserving all the cooking liquid. Set the broccoli rabe aside. Cook the orecchiette in the same pot of boiling water until tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 min. Drain, reserving 1 C of the water.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, add the sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until the sausage is brown and juices form, about 8 min. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and saute about 30 seconds. Add the broccoli rabe and toss to coat. Add the pasta and enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt to taste, and pepper into the pasta mixture.