Bring 4 to 6 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.

Cut 1 to 1 1/2 inches off of the bottom of the broccoli rabe stalks; cut into 1 1/2-inch sections.

Place trimmed broccoli rabe and orecchiette into the boiling water and boil until pasta is tender, 12 to 14 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 6 minutes; stir in garlic and cook until sausage is browned and crumbly, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Heat a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Stir in bread crumbs. Cook until browned and crunchy, about 5 minutes.

Drain the pasta pot. Add drained broccoli rabe and orecchiette to the sausage. Add red pepper flakes and 1/2 of the bread crumbs and stir well.

Transfer 1/2 the pasta mixture to a large bowl. Stir in 1/2 the Pecorino cheese. Add remaining pasta mixture to the bowl and top with remaining cheese; mix well. Top with remaining bread crumbs.