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
Scale
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
