Italian Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta
Serves 4
15 mins prep
15 mins cook
30 mins total
Sausage and broccoli rabe pasta is made with crumbled, browned Italian sausage, leafy broccoli rabe, fresh garlic, and olive oil, all tossed together in one pan with orecchiette pasta (you can use any short pasta shape). Cook this easy pasta dinner at home in about 30 minutes, using a pasta pot and a large skillet.
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Heat the olive oil in a large (12-inch) deep sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion and a big pinch of salt (it helps to release water and soften the onions). Cook, stirring, 2-3 minutes until softened.
Meanwhile, bring 4-5 quarts water to a boil and salt generously. Cook the pasta until al dente — the time will depend on the brand and shape. If you're using pasta cooking water instead of chicken broth, scoop out ½ cup then drain the pasta.
Turn the heat up under the sauté pan to medium-high. Crumble the sausage and add to the pan with the onion. Cook, using a spatula to break up the clumps of meat, until the sausage is cooked and lightly browned, stirring frequently, 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the red pepper and garlic and cook about 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth or pasta water. Pile the broccoli rabe on top of the sausage. Cover the pan and cook 5 minutes. The broccoli will steam and turn vibrant green.
Add the cooked pasta and cheese to the pan, Stir everything together over low heat.
Serve the pasta hot, with additional cheese on the side.
