Pasta with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

5 from 1 vote

A classic pasta dish with broccoli rabe and hot Italian sausage. This dish is a complete meal with protein, veggies, and pasta.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 747kcal

Cost: $15

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Chop 1 inch off of the ends of the broccoli rabe and boil the broccoli rabe for 2 minutes. Strain the broccoli rabe and cut it into 2-inch pieces.
Bring a large pan to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan. Remove the sausage from the casing and break it apart placing the ½-inch pieces on the hot pan. Sear the sausage on both sides.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and add the pasta. Boil until al dente.
Lower the heat of the pan to medium. Add garlic and crushed red pepper and saute for 2 minutes. Pour in the white wine and bring it to a simmer. Simmer for 3 minutes.
Add chopped broccoli rabe to the pan and stir around until it is slightly coated. Add 1 cup of pasta water. Return the sauce to a simmer. Then add the pasta to the dish and combine well. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly about 3 more minutes.
Remove from the heat and serve with parmesan and crusty Italian bread.

Add a little bit of pasta water to the pasta when mixed with the sausage and broccoli rabe and stir over the heat to finish for a creamy texture. Add some parmesan to add to the creaminess.
When searing the sausage, allowing it to sit undisturbed will help it develop a crust which will give it a nice texture with the pasta. It won't be chewy or overcooked.