If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dish that brings together bright citrus notes, hearty sausage, and creamy cheese, then this One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. It’s incredibly satisfying yet surprisingly simple, perfectly balancing fresh, zesty flavors with rich, indulgent textures all in one glorious pot. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or an impressive, fuss-free dinner to share, this recipe never fails to deliver both comfort and elegance with every delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to creating a dish that bursts with flavor and varied textures. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing this one-pot wonder to life, from the garlic’s aromatic depth to the luscious creaminess of burrata.
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as orecchiette or penne): The perfect pasta shapes to hold onto that zesty sauce and sausage bits.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds silkiness to the sausage and keeps every ingredient shimmering.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed): The star protein packed with savory, meaty goodness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides an irresistible fragrant base to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick that elevates the whole dish without overpowering it.
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped): Offers a slightly bitter green that contrasts brilliantly with the rich cheese and meat.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: The bright heart of this recipe that brightens every forkful with citrus magic.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty depth that melts perfectly into the pasta.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed): Helps create a luscious, cohesive sauce that clings beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to amplify all the vibrant flavors.
- 2 balls burrata cheese (torn into pieces): The dreamy, creamy finish that makes this pasta unforgettable.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color to complete the plate.
How to Make One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta until just al dente, according to the package instructions. This step is key because you want the pasta to have a slight bite so it doesn’t become mushy later. Once done, be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining – this starchy water helps bring everything together in the final sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Using the same pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add your sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until it’s wonderfully browned and cooked through, around 6 to 8 minutes. This browning develops deep, savory notes that infuse the dish with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Once the sausage is ready, toss in the minced garlic and, if you like a little heat, red pepper flakes. Cook for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, releasing its rich aroma that teases your senses and builds the dish’s flavor foundation.
Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli Rabe
Next, stir in the chopped broccoli rabe and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. This green veggie wilts slightly yet remains pleasantly crisp, adding a touch of bitterness that harmonizes beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Lemon, and Cheese
Return the cooked pasta to the pot along with lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of that reserved pasta water to help everything meld into a creamy, cohesive sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the tangy, cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Season and Finish with Burrata
Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Then, off the heat, gently top the pasta with torn pieces of luxurious burrata cheese. The heat from the pasta will slightly soften the burrata, creating a melt-in-your-mouth finish that makes this recipe truly shine.
How to Serve One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or flat-leaf parsley are the perfect finishing touch to scatter on top, adding not only a burst of color but also a refreshing herbal brightness. A little extra freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil enhances the dish beautifully at serving.
Side Dishes
While this pasta stands strong on its own, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some crusty artisan bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce creates a wonderfully balanced meal. Light roasted vegetables or even charred asparagus also pair wonderfully for added texture and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the pasta family-style in a warm, rustic bowl topped generously with burrata and herbs. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with the burrata placed on top just before serving for that wow factor when the cheese slowly melts into the warm pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe keeps well in the fridge stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, but for best texture, add fresh burrata when reheating rather than storing it already mixed in.
Freezing
While this pasta is delicious fresh, freezing is possible but not ideal because the burrata’s delicate creaminess can suffer. If freezing, omit the burrata and add fresh when thawed and reheated. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent drying out. Always add fresh burrata after reheating to recapture that luscious, creamy experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different green instead of broccoli rabe?
Absolutely! Spinach or kale make great substitutes if broccoli rabe’s bitterness isn’t your preference. They’ll still bring lovely color and nutrition without overpowering the dish’s bright lemony flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
The only heat comes from optional red pepper flakes and the sausage you choose. Using mild sausage and skipping the flakes results in a mild dish, while spicy sausage plus pepper flakes will give it a pleasant kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or roasted mushrooms for a hearty, meatless version that still tastes incredible with all the other vibrant ingredients.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like orecchiette, penne, or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce and sausage bits. Their nooks and crannies capture every bit of flavor, making each bite satisfying.
Why add reserved pasta water?
This starchy water helps emulsify the cheese and lemon juice into a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly without being heavy or greasy.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe is a true example of how simple ingredients combined thoughtfully can create magic in your kitchen. It’s quick, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavors that invite you back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become one of those treasured recipes you turn to time and again when you want something comforting yet effortlessly elegant. Give it a go, and prepare to fall in love!
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One-Pot Lemony Pasta with Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This one-pot lemony pasta with sausage, broccoli rabe, and creamy burrata is a flavorful and easy Italian-inspired main course perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish balances zesty lemon, savory sausage, slightly bitter greens, and rich cheese, creating a comforting and satisfying meal all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sausage
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as orecchiette or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bunch broccoli rabe (trimmed and chopped)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 balls burrata cheese (torn into pieces)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Brown the sausage: Using the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics and greens: Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped broccoli rabe and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are slightly wilted but still vibrant.
- Combine pasta and flavors: Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is creamy and evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste.
- Serve with burrata: Remove the pot from the heat. Top the pasta with torn pieces of burrata cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Substitute spinach or kale for a milder green if broccoli rabe is too bitter.
- Add extra lemon juice for a brighter, zestier flavor if preferred.
- Always add burrata cheese just before serving to preserve its creamy texture.
