Pasta with Broccoli Rabe and Spicy Sausage
A bold and comforting Sicilian classic, this classic recipe pairs bitter broccoli rabe with spicy Italian sausage for a hearty, well-balanced dish. Garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil bring warmth and depth, while al dente pasta soaks up all the savory goodness. It’s simple, soulful, and made for cozy dinners with a glass of red wine.
- Serves
- 6
Directions
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Blanch the broccoli rabe: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook for 1–2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set aside. Reserve the water for pasta.
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Cook the pasta: In the same pot, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
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Brown the sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7–10 minutes.
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Add garlic and chili: Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes to the sausage and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let the garlic brown too much).
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Combine everything: Add the blanched broccoli rabe to the skillet and toss with the sausage mixture. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water to help everything come together.
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Finish and serve: Toss until the pasta is well-coated. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and maybe a hit of lemon zest or juice for a fresh touch. Serve hot with plenty of grated cheese.
From Shawnie's class “Nonna’s Kitchen”
