Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Recipe

Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Recipe provided by Kathleen Daelemans

• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 8
• Nutritional Information per Serving: 365 calories, 12.2 g total fat, 4.4 g saturated fat, 50 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 16 g protein
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Tip: Whip up this irresistible dish in under an hour! Prep the broccoli rabe a day ahead to save time, and cook the garlic and sausage up to an hour earlyleaving it in the pan until you're ready to dazzle your guests. Read the full recipe first; it's simple yet delivers bold, unforgettable flavors that will have everyone craving seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound broccoli rabe, trimmed of any damaged leaves
• 1 pound orecchiette or any preferred pasta
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 to 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, sliced into quarter-inch pieces
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup coarse, seasoned breadcrumbs, toasted (optional garnish)
• Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Slice the broccoli rabe into 3- to 4-inch pieces, discarding tough stems. Blanch in a large pot of boiling water until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid, then drain, rinse under cold water, and dry on a towel for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Simultaneously, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente per package instructionsyour canvas for this flavor explosion.
3. In a cold skillet, combine 2 tablespoons water, garlic, and sausage. Heat to medium-low, stirring until garlic is golden and sausage cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the reserved broccoli rabe liquid to create a silky sauce base.
4. Drain pasta, return to pot, and season with salt. Toss in the sausage mixture and broccoli rabe. Adjust seasonings, then serve hot for peak deliciousness.
5. Elevate it further: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs and freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan to wow your diners!