Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta that combines the bold, spicy kick of Italian sausage with the slightly bitter, tender greens of broccoli rabe - a culinary symphony that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe that's both comforting and sophisticated!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned and crispy, approximately 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with sausage and broccoli rabe. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea! This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Save some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce that helps ingredients stick together.
- Cook the sausage until it's nicely browned - those crispy edges add incredible depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- Don't overcook the broccoli rabe - you want it wilted but still maintaining a slight bite and vibrant green color.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or freshly grated Parmesan cheese when serving.
- Use a large skillet to ensure you have enough room to toss the pasta and mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
