Description
This one pot lemon pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe is an easy, vibrant Italian-inspired dish that combines savory Italian sausage, slightly bitter broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata cheese with a bright lemony twist. Cooked entirely in one pot, the pasta absorbs all the flavors for a perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and fresh.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz (340 g) orecchiette or penne pasta
- 1 bunch (about 8 oz or 225 g) broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, sweet or spicy
- 1 cup (240 ml) burrata cheese (about 2 balls)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Flavorings and Oils
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process and have everything within reach before you start.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook Broccoli Rabe: Toss in the chopped broccoli rabe and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften but still retains some bite.
- Cook Pasta in Pot: Pour in 4 cups of water along with a pinch of salt. Add the pasta and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the water, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type.
- Combine Sausage and Flavorings: When the pasta is nearly done, return the browned sausage to the pot. Add lemon zest and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with Burrata and Lemon Juice: Plate the pasta into bowls and top each serving with a generous portion of creamy burrata cheese. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top if desired for an extra burst of brightness before serving.
Notes
- Choose orecchiette or penne pasta for best texture and holding the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Broccoli rabe adds a slightly bitter note; substitute with broccoli or kale if preferred.
- Burrata cheese adds creaminess; replace with fresh mozzarella if necessary.
- The dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy cheese melting over the warm pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
