The pasta and the sausage are two of the building blocks of this quickly made, savory main-course dish, with broccoli rabe as a variable third ingredient.
Broccoli rabe is the leafy distant cousin of broccoli that’s distinguished by having a pungent, bitter flavor and smaller florets, and is often used in Italian cooking. For a milder alternative you can substitute broccoli. For more pepper bite, try arugula, Swiss chard or beet greens.
The dish is among “five easy dinners” in a feature presenting recipes and strategies for ideal weeknight meals by recipe developer Sara Quessenberry, in Real Simple magazine’s September issue.
INGREDIENTS
(Start to finish 25 minutes)
DIRECTIONS
Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, over medium heat, heat the oil.
Add the sausage and cook, crumbling it with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the broth and red pepper and bring to a boil. Then add the broccoli rabe, cover, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the butter and Parmesan and cook, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Add the drained pasta, season with the salt and black pepper, and toss to combine.
Makes 4 servings.
