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
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe
- 2 Italian sausages
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- 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.
- Remove the sausage casings and crumble the meat into small pieces. Set aside.
- 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.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the broccoli rabe and set aside. Keep the boiling water for cooking the pasta.
- 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.
- Add minced garlic to the sausage and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- In the same boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the cooked broccoli rabe to the skillet with the sausage, stirring to combine and heat through.
- 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.
- Season with salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Gently mix to ensure all ingredients are well combined and heated.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Tips
- 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.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together perfectly.
- Sausage Browning Technique: Ensure your sausage gets a nice crispy brown exterior by not overcrowding the pan and cooking on medium-high heat.
- Garlic Alert: Add minced garlic at the right moment—30 seconds is all you need to release its flavor without burning.
- Seasoning Hack: Start with a little salt and red pepper flakes, then taste and adjust. Everyone's spice tolerance is different!
- 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
