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    Recipes » Main Course Recipes » Pasta

    Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta

    Published: Apr 23, 2020 · Modified: Oct 8, 2020 by Marissa Stevens · 24 Comments

    Quick Meals

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    Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta is a beautifully balanced dish despite its fiesty flavor components. Starchy pasta mellows a medley of savory pork sausage, pleasantly bitter broccoli rabe (rapini), spicy red pepper flakes, and nutty parmesan cheese.

    Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta served in a white ceramic bowl

    I say "pleasantly bitter" because broccoli rabe has a reputation for being bitter. It's true. Fortunately boiling it in water for just one minute is an effective remedy.

    Jump to:
    • Tips for Best Results
    • Ingredients You Need to Make Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta
    • FAQ
    • More must try Italian pasta recipes
    • How to Make Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta
    • Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta
    • 💬 Comments

    Tips for Best Results

    You'll already be boiling water for pasta and it's easy and economical to use the same water for blanching the broccoli rabe. It's important to the overall flavor of the dish and partially cooks the broccoli rabe as a bonus (and seasons it too if you salt your water).

    Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta is a classic Italian pasta dish that's often made with orecchiette pasta (meaning "little ears" in Italian). But I've found that any short pasta stands in nicely. And most are less likely to stick together, as orecchiette likes to do.

    Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta served in a white bowl photographed from above

    Make sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking water to create a silky texture in your finished dish and for storing any leftovers. A splash of cooking water in the bottom of your container makes it easy to reheat this dish without the pasta sticking to the bottom of the pan. (I like to add a splash of olive oil and some salt and pepper as well.)

    Ingredients You Need to Make Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta

    Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta ingredients flat lay
    • Broccoli Rabe (rapini): Look for fresh looking bunches with perky greens and buds. Avoid those that are discolored or wilted.
    • Sausage:  This recipe calls for Italian sausage. Sweet Italian sausage is what I typically use, controlling the heat with the red pepper flakes. Use hot Italian sausage if you want extra kick. I used pork sausage, but for a lighter version, feel free to use turkey sausage instead.
    • Fresh Garlic: Look for smooth, dry skins and plump bulbs. Avoid those that have shriveled cloves or are starting to sprout.
    • Red Pepper Flakes: Or crushed red pepper (same thing).
    • Olive Oil: Use a good, flavorful olive oil. Because you're cooking with it, it doesn't necessarily need to be extra virgin olive oil (though it's typically all I have on hand).
    • Pasta: Most short pasta shapes work well here. I used strozzapreti, but rotini, fusilli, and penne are also good choices.
    • Parmesan Cheese: Ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano. You could also use pecorino cheese if you prefer.

    FAQ

    Where can I find broccoli rabe?

    You can find broccoli rabe, also called 'rapini,' in most major grocery stores and often at farmers markets.

    What can you substitute for broccoli rabe?

    If you can't find broccoli rabe, substitute another bitter green like mustard greens, turnip greens, or curly kale. If you dislike the bitterness of broccoli rabe, broccolini is a good substitute.

    More must try Italian pasta recipes

    • Pasta Aglio e Olio (Fast and fabulous - perfect for date night!)
    • Bucatini all'Amatriciana (Everyone loves this dish! Make your own pancetta too.)
    • Bucatini Carbonara (A no-fail method!)
    • Shrimp Carbonara (Another version of carbonara, loaded with juicy shrimp.)
    • Bolognese Sauce (We learned this recipe in a cooking class in Bologna, Italy - it's stellar.)
    • Ragu Sauce (Another cooking class gem, this one from Tuscany. You won't believe how simple it is to make.)
    • Pasta alla Norma (A hearty, tasty pasta made with custardy roasted eggplant and silky tomato sauce.)
    • Spaghetti alla Puttanesca (A big flavor pasta dish that you can whip up in 30 minutes with pantry staples.)
    • Broccoli Pasta (A 20-minute pasta dish that's hearty enough to be a meal on its own!)

    How to Make Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta

    Step 1: Coarsely chop and blanch broccoli rabe for 1 minute. Transfer rapini to colander and return water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions; drain and reserve 1 cup of cooking water.

    blanched broccoli rabe and reserved pasta water

    Step 2: Meanwhile brown sausage in oil, breaking up with a spoon. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute more. Add broccoli rabe and pasta; toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper; serve topped with parmesan cheese.

    broccoli rabe and sausage pasta ready to serve
    Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta served in a white bowl

    Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta

    Marissa Stevens
    A classic Italian pasta recipe that's easy to make with any short pasta you have on hand.
    5 from 10 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 553 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound broccoli rabe (rapini)
    • 12 ounces short pasta like strozzapreti, rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or spicy
    • 4 large garlic cloves finely chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more
    • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • 1 ounce grated parmesan cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Wash rapini (see recipe note); drain and coarsely chop.
    • Heat a large pot of salted water to boil. Add rapini and cook 1 minute (working in batches if necessary); transfer rapini to colander to drain. Return water to boil.
    • Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender, but firm to the bite). Drain pasta reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
    • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and brown, breaking up with a spoon, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir until garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1 minute more. Add broccoli rabe and toss to coat. Add pasta and stir to combine, adding reserved cooking liquid a few tablespoons at a time as needed to moisten. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among 4 pasta bowls; sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve.

    Notes

    1. To wash rapini, submerge in a large bowl of water. Swoosh it around to dislodge all dirt and debris. Lift out rapini and transfer to a colander to drain.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 553kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 23gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 655mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2048IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 163mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword dinner party, easy
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Lisa says

      February 14, 2023 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!!! Followed the directions and it came out perfect! So easy to put together! Will definitely be making this again. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        February 15, 2023 at 7:32 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Lisa!

        Reply
    2. Tim says

      November 28, 2021 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      I made this tonight.... EXCELLENT ..thank you. I have made RB, sausage and pasta before and winged it, it was never that great... this recipe is a def keeper. thank you

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        November 28, 2021 at 3:46 pm

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Tim! Thank you for coming back to let me know!

        Reply
    3. Mark Freeman says

      October 17, 2021 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      Spot on. Nicely written recipe. I use orecchiette. And i boil it in my broccoli water. Someone commented on adding a spot of cream. Nice!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        October 18, 2021 at 8:45 am

        So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Mark!

        Reply
    4. Nancy says

      October 10, 2021 at 2:37 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!!! Have made this a few times. So easy. Added a splash of half and half and made it a bit creamy this time. So good. Thanks for sharing this recipe. My husband loves it!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        October 11, 2021 at 8:38 am

        So glad you and your husband are enjoying this, Nancy! And I love that you added your own touch to the recipe.

        Reply
    5. Maria Ann Correale says

      May 31, 2020 at 1:13 am

      I'm making Sunday dinner for my family, my sister and her family, and I chose your recipe. I've been dying for pasta, hot sausage and rabe! Looks and sounds delish. Will definitely let you know how it turns out, Marissa!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        May 31, 2020 at 3:28 pm

        That's wonderful, Maria! Please let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    6. Valentina says

      April 27, 2020 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      I'm loving the rapini kick. This delicious combination of flavors is so perfectly balanced. This is one my whole family will love. YUM!! 🙂 ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 28, 2020 at 1:30 pm

        Thank you, Valentina! I hope you'll give it a try!

        Reply
    7. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      April 24, 2020 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      I love the entire ingredient list Marissa and so would Tom. So hearty and flavorful! Can't wait to give your recipe a try!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 24, 2020 at 8:50 am

        Love to hear that, Mary Ann! Thank you.

        Reply
    8. David @ Spiced says

      April 24, 2020 at 3:43 am

      5 stars
      This is my kind of recipe! Simple, comfort food but packed with flavor. I'm with Dawn here. Cook up a skillet of this pasta and open a nice bottle of wine, and I think you've got the formula for a great night in. Oh, and Netflix. Haha! Hope you have a great weekend, Marissa!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 24, 2020 at 8:50 am

        Sounds perfect to me! Hope you have a great weekend too, David!

        Reply
    9. angiesrecipes says

      April 23, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      This looks beyond delicious and so very comforting. Indeed a well balanced dish, Marissa.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 24, 2020 at 8:51 am

        Thank you so much, Angie!

        Reply
    10. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      April 23, 2020 at 6:42 pm

      5 stars
      Very clever to blanch the broccoli a bit to rid it of the bitterness! I have been craving this pasta since I first saw it on Facebook, Marissa. I love dishes like this! Pinning to try soon!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 24, 2020 at 8:51 am

        Yay! I hope you'll give this one a try, Katherine!

        Reply
    11. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      April 23, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      5 stars
      You always have the best flavor profiles and combinations of ingredients!!! I'm drooling over this pasta! I love everything in it and I'd be willing to bet it tastes even better than it looks! Most definitely adding this to the dinner rotation.. as long as I can find rapini at the store (what is available and not available seems to be an ever changing situation here). Wish me luck, because I need this in my life! 😉

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 24, 2020 at 8:52 am

        You leave such sweet comments, Cheyanne. Thank you! I know what you mean about not knowing what will be in stock at grocery stores right now - we're running into the same issue. Hope you'll be able to give this one a try!

        Reply
    12. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      April 23, 2020 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      How could this possibly *not* taste good?? With all those flavourful ingredients, it must be heaven in every bite! Perfect for Friday night with a glass of vino, me thinks 😉 Have a great weekend ahead, my friend!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        April 24, 2020 at 8:52 am

        Love how you think, Dawn! Thank you. Have a great weekend!

        Reply

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