One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
If you love dishes that combine bold flavors with effortless cooking, this One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender pasta cooked right in a zesty lemon-infused broth, mingling with savory Italian sausage and slightly bitter, nutrient-rich broccoli rabe, all crowned with the creamy, decadent touch of burrata cheese. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and rich, and best of all, it all comes together in one pot, saving you time and dishes without compromising any flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to comfort meal that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe relies on a handful of simple but powerful ingredients. Each element plays a unique role—bringing freshness, spice, creaminess, or heartiness to the dish to create that perfect Italian-inspired harmony.
- 12 oz short pasta (like orecchiette or rigatoni): These shapes hold the sauce and bites of sausage wonderfully for a full-flavored experience.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed: Provides the hearty, savory component with a great kick of flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brightens the dish with its aromatic depth.
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped: Offers a nice bitter contrast and a healthy green boost.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Injects citrusy brightness that lifts all the flavors.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Adds tang and freshness that makes this dish truly shine.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle spicy heat that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness for depth.
- 8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls or 1 large): Melts over the top, creating a luscious, creamy finish.
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses flavor into the pasta while keeping it tender.
How to Make One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it up gently with a spoon. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step builds a flavor-packed foundation for your pasta, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Next, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Cook just for 1 minute until the garlic releases its heavenly aroma. This quick sauté infuses the dish with warmth and just the right touch of heat that complements the sausage’s richness.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Cooking Liquid
Add the pasta straight into the pot along with water or chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally as the pasta soaks up all that flavorful liquid—this will take about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Broccoli Rabe
When your pasta is nearly al dente and most of the cooking liquid has been absorbed, it’s time to add the chopped broccoli rabe. Let it cook with the pasta for another 3 to 4 minutes until the greens are tender but still hold a pleasant bite. This step balances the dish with lovely texture and a touch of bitterness that’s so good against the savory meat.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon, Parmesan, and Seasoning
Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. These fresh, tangy additions brighten the whole dish and create a delightful, harmonious final flavor.
Step 6: Serve with Burrata
Divide the pasta into serving bowls and tear the burrata cheese over the top. The creamy center will melt beautifully into the warm pasta, adding a luscious and indulgent finish that makes every bite unforgettable.
How to Serve One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
While the burrata is the star garnish here, you can also sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving elevates the flavors even further. Don’t underestimate the power of a few twists of fresh cracked black pepper on top, bringing a final pop of fragrance.
Side Dishes
This dish is a satisfying main course all on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider a crisp green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette or crusty bread to soak up any leftover luscious juices. Roasted or grilled vegetables with seasonal flair also make lovely companions without overwhelming the brightness of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or an elegant twist, serve the pasta family-style on a large platter, layering the pasta first and artfully placing torn burrata balls on top just before presenting. For a playful twist, offer lemon wedges on the side for guests to add extra citrus zing as they please. You can also finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added crunch and complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the burrata, it’s best to store the cheese separately and add fresh when reheating for maximum creaminess.
Freezing
This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, you can freeze the cooked pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe (without the burrata) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. Once heated through, add fresh torn burrata on top to restore that indulgent creaminess which makes this One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of green instead of broccoli rabe?
Absolutely! If broccoli rabe feels too bitter, spinach or kale are excellent substitutes. Just keep in mind that spinach cooks faster and is milder, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage—mild or spicy—is ideal for its robust flavor and fat content that enriches the pasta. If you prefer, you can use chicken sausage for a lighter option, but the dish will be less rich.
Is it essential to use burrata cheese?
Burrata adds a unique creamy texture and a touch of luxury, but if you can’t find it, fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be good alternatives. Just know that the flavor profile and creaminess won’t be quite the same.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives, and use vegetable broth. For vegan, omit the cheese or use vegan cheese substitutes, and be sure to use a plant-based oil and broth.
How can I control the spice level?
Use mild sausage and omit the red pepper flakes for a gentle flavor. Increase the pepper flakes or choose a spicy sausage if you enjoy some heat. The lemon adds brightness that balances even the spicier versions well.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe is like a warm hug on a plate—full of bright lemony flavors, savory sausage goodness, vibrant greens, and that dreamy, creamy cheese finish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress friends or family anytime. Give it a try, and you may just find yourself making this dish over and over, always savoring how effortlessly delicious it is.
Print
One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata is a comforting Italian-inspired main course dish combining savory Italian sausage, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata cheese with a bright lemony flavor. The pasta is cooked in one pot with broth to absorb all the flavors, making it a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (like orecchiette or rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz burrata cheese (2 small balls or 1 large)
- 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add pasta and liquid: Add the short pasta to the pot along with 3 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Cook broccoli rabe: Stir in the chopped broccoli rabe and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the greens are tender and pasta is fully cooked.
- Add lemon and cheese: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve with burrata: Remove from heat and divide into bowls. Tear the burrata cheese over the top of each serving, allowing its creamy center to spread over the pasta. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a less bitter flavor, blanch the broccoli rabe in boiling water for 1–2 minutes before adding it to the pasta.
- You can substitute spinach or kale for broccoli rabe if preferred.
- Adjust the spiciness by using either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
