Cavatelli with Broccoli Rabe & Italian Sausage

 

Cavatelli with Broccoli Rabe & Italian Sausage

Ingredients

1 bunch of broccoli rabe, thoroughly washed and chopped into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 large yellow onion, finely diced

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

5–6 links Italian pork sausage, casings removed

2 teaspoons chicken base dissolved in 2 cups water, or 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock

A splash of dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

2 tablespoons oil-cured olives, pitted and roughly chopped

1 pound fresh cavatelli pasta

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste

¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for finishing

Instructions

Prep the Broccoli Rabe:

Trim the tough ends (about 2 inches) from the broccoli rabe and discard. Chop the remaining stalks and leaves into 1-inch pieces and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the sliced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Brown the Sausage:

Remove the casing from the sausage links and crumble the meat into the pan. Cook, stirring and breaking it into small chunks, until browned and fully cooked through.

Deglaze and Build Flavor:

Add the chopped olives and a splash of white wine to the pan. Let it simmer for about 30 seconds, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. Stir in the chicken base mixed with 2 cups of water (or use chicken stock).

Simmer the Broccoli Rabe:

Once the mixture begins to simmer, add the broccoli rabe. Stir to combine, cover the pan, and cook for about 7 minutes, or until the greens are tender.

Season the Sauce:

Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to your desired heat level.

Cook the Pasta:

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatelli and cook for 6 minutes (or follow package instructions if using frozen). Drain well.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked cavatelli to the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce. Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the dish rest for 3 minutes to absorb flavor.

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and toss again. Serve hot and enjoy!