Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe

Name: Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 350 g penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 500 g Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, plus more for serving)

35 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Savoury penne paired with spicy sausage and tender broccoli rabe for a hearty meal.

Prep

10 min

Cook

25 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Penne with sausage and broccoli rabe is a classic Italian-American dish that combines the robust flavours of spicy sausage with the slightly bitter taste of broccoli rabe. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that is both easy to prepare and full of flavour. Our version of penne with sausage and broccoli rabe balances the spice of Italian sausage with the earthiness of broccoli rabe. The pasta serves as the perfect vehicle to bring these elements together, creating a symphony of flavours that is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking to create a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain.

Pro tip: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.

Prepare the sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Pro tip: Ensure sausage is cooked through with no pink remaining.

Cook the garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the broccoli rabe

Add the chopped broccoli rabe to the skillet. Sauté with the sausage for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to wilt.

Pro tip: Chop broccoli rabe into even pieces for uniform cooking.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.

Pro tip: Adjust sauce consistency with additional pasta water if needed.

Finish and serve

Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh broccoli rabe for best flavour and texture.
Cook pasta until al dente for perfect bite.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Adjust spice level with different sausage types.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is penne with sausage and broccoli rabe?

It is an Italian-American dish combining pasta with spicy sausage and slightly bitter broccoli rabe.

How do you make penne with sausage and broccoli rabe?

Cook penne, sauté sausage and garlic, add broccoli rabe, combine with pasta, and finish with Parmesan.

What can I substitute for broccoli rabe?

You can use broccolini or kale as a substitute for broccoli rabe.

How many calories are in penne with sausage and broccoli rabe?

One serving contains approximately 580 calories.

How long does it take to make penne with sausage and broccoli rabe?

The total time to make this dish is about 35 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Penne with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favourite white wine to complete the meal. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to restore the sauce's consistency.