Description
This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata is a flavorful and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines spicy Italian sausage, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata with a bright lemony sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe cooks everything in one pot for easy cleanup and deliciously infused flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti, orecchiette, or rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe, chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
Liquids and Cheese
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz burrata cheese (or fresh mozzarella)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Broccoli Rabe: Add the minced garlic and chopped broccoli rabe to the pot with the sausage. Stir in the red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli rabe has softened slightly.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the dry pasta directly to the pot, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir midway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season again with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve with Burrata and Basil: Divide the pasta among plates and top each serving with a generous portion of burrata cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the broccoli rabe with broccolini or kale if preferred.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes quantity to control the heat level.
- Using fresh broth enhances flavor but water can be used in a pinch.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.
- If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella is a good alternative.
- To save time, you can prepare the sausage ahead of time and refrigerate.
