Spaghetti with Broccoli Rabe and Hot Sausage

This Spaghetti with Broccoli Rabe and Hot Sausage is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the slightly bitter notes of broccoli rabe with the spicy kick of Italian sausage. Tossed with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a touch of Parmesan, it offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.

Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a delicious and comforting pasta dish.

Spaghetti with Broccoli Rabe and Hot Sausage

Ingredients:

1 pound broccoli rabe (rapini)

12 ounces short pasta like Spaghetti

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound Italian sausage sweet or spicy

4 large garlic cloves finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 ounce grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Prepare Broccoli Rabe: Rinse the broccoli rabe thoroughly, then drain and cut it into large pieces.

Cook Broccoli Rabe: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli rabe and cook for 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a colander to drain. Return the water to a boil.

Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Cook Sausage: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.

Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked broccoli rabe to the skillet and toss to coat with the sausage mixture. Stir in the cooked pasta, adding a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the pasta among four bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve.

Notes:

Broccoli Rabe Preparation: Broccoli rabe has a slightly bitter taste, which complements the richness of the sausage. Blanching it briefly helps to mellow its bitterness while retaining its vibrant green color.

Pasta Cooking: Ensure you cook the pasta until it’s al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite, which helps it hold up well when mixed with the sausage and broccoli rabe.

Sausage Choice: You can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. Spicy sausage will add a bit more heat to the dish, while sweet sausage will offer a milder flavor.

Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes according to your taste. For a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes, or add more for extra heat.

Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is key to creating a cohesive sauce. It contains starch that helps bind the pasta with the sauce and adds a silky texture.

Combining Ingredients: When tossing the pasta with the sausage and broccoli rabe, add the reserved pasta water gradually. This helps achieve the desired consistency and ensures everything is well coated.

Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The sausage might add enough salt, so be cautious with additional salt.

Serving: Serve the pasta immediately after combining with the sausage and broccoli rabe for the best texture and flavor. The Parmesan cheese can be adjusted based on your preference.

Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta and making it mushy.

Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables or substituting the sausage with chicken or a meat alternative for a different twist on this classic dish.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute other short pastas like penne or rigatoni if you prefer.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

What if I can’t find broccoli rabe?

If broccoli rabe is unavailable, you can use spinach or kale as alternatives.

Both will provide a similar green, leafy texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and use a meat substitute or extra vegetables.

You can also add mushrooms for a hearty texture.

How can I reduce the spice level?

Use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy and reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes to lower the heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sausage and broccoli rabe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Cook the pasta fresh before combining everything.

What should I do if the pasta seems too dry?

Add a bit of the reserved pasta water or extra olive oil to the dish to moisten it.

Stir well to combine.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular spaghetti to make the dish gluten-free.

Check that the sausage is also gluten-free if needed.

Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, pre-cooked sausage can be used.

Just slice it and add it to the skillet to heat through, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe.

However, the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.