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Broccoli Rabe Pasta with Sausage

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Broccoli Rabe Pasta with Sausage

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner table into a little slice of Italy! This Broccoli Rabe Pasta with Sausage is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the bold, slightly bitter notes of broccoli rabe with the rich, spicy kick of Italian sausage. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, proving that gourmet cooking can be both simple and incredibly delicious.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 8 oz pasta
  2. 1 bunch broccoli rabe
  3. 2 Italian sausages
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  6. Salt to taste
  7. Red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients by washing the broccoli rabe thoroughly, trimming off the tough bottom stems. Cut the broccoli rabe into 2-inch pieces, separating the leafy parts from the stems.
  2. Remove the sausage casings and crumble the meat into small pieces. Set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the broccoli rabe stems first and cook for 2 minutes, then add the leafy parts and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetable is bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli rabe and set aside. Keep the boiling water for cooking the pasta.
  5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and crispy, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  6. Add minced garlic to the sausage and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  7. In the same boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  8. Add the cooked broccoli rabe to the skillet with the sausage, stirring to combine and heat through.
  9. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sausage and broccoli rabe. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
  10. Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Gently mix to ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated.
  11. Serve immediately in warm bowls, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Tips

  1. Blanching is Key: When cooking broccoli rabe, the quick blanching method helps remove any excessive bitterness while maintaining its vibrant green color and nutritional value.
  2. Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together perfectly.
  3. Sausage Browning Technique: Ensure your sausage gets a nice crispy brown exterior by not overcrowding the pan and cooking on medium-high heat.
  4. Garlic Alert: Add minced garlic at the right moment—30 seconds is all you need to release its flavor without burning.
  5. Seasoning Hack: Start with a little salt and red pepper flakes, then taste and adjust. Everyone's spice tolerance is different!
  6. Optional Upgrades: For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 450kcal

Carbohydrates: 45g

Protein: 22g

Fat: 23g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Cholesterol: 45mg

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