Ingredients:
12 oz rigatoni pasta
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed and chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Blanch the broccoli rabe: In the same pot, blanch the broccoli rabe for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the sausage, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Combine: Add the cooked rigatoni and broccoli rabe to the skillet with the sausage. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the dish reaches your desired consistency.
Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 480 kcal per serving
