Name: Instant Pot Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: ItalianEurope
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , divided; 1 pound broccoli rabe , trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces; ¼ teaspoon table salt; 8 ounces hot or sweet Italian sausage , casings removed; 6 garlic cloves , minced; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ cup dry white wine; 4½ cups chicken broth; 1 pound orecchiette; 2 ounces Parmesan cheese , grated (1 cup), plus extra for serving

Why This Recipe Works

To keep the broccoli rabe from overcooking and losing its vibrant green color, we sautéed it briefly in the Instant Pot and then set it aside to stir into the pasta right before serving. We then browned Italian sausage and aromatics in the pot before adding our pasta and chicken broth. Cooked at pressure, the orecchiette absorbed most of the flavorful broth. The small amount of broth left in the pot transformed into a smooth sauce once the Parmesan was stirred in, and the orecchiette's curved shape scooped up the sauce, nestling against the bits of savory sausage and crisp-tender broccoli rabe.

Before You Begin

Do not substitute other pasta shapes in this dish, as they require different liquid amounts and will not work in this recipe.

Instructions

Using highest sauté function, heat 1 tablespoon oil in Instant Pot until shimmering. Add broccoli rabe and salt, partially cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until broccoli rabe is softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer broccoli rabe to bowl; set aside.

Add sausage and remaining 1 tablespoon oil to now-empty pot. Using highest sauté function, cook sausage, breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in wine, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in broth and pasta.

Lock lid in place and close pressure release valve. Select high pressure cook function and cook for 4 minutes. Turn off Instant Pot and quick-release pressure. Carefully remove lid, allowing steam to escape away from you.

Stir broccoli rabe and any accumulated juices and Parmesan into pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve, passing extra Parmesan separately.