Ingredients

  • salt and pepper
  • 34 lb orecchiette
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 34 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 lb parsnip, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds (halved if large)
  • 1 bunch swiss chard, tough stems and ribs removed, thinly sliced
  • 12 cup parmesan cheese, plus more for serving (grated 2 ounces)

Method

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions.
  • Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and return to pot.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high.
  • Add sausage and cook, breaking meat up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 3 minutes.
  • With a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to pot.
  • Add parsnips to skillet and saute until softened and browned, 5 minutes.
  • Add chard and cook until wilted, 2 minutes.
  • Transfer mixture to pot and toss.
  • Add Parmesan and enough pasta water to create a light sauce that coats pasta; season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve with additional Parmesan.